Evaluation Framework

“Pakistan’s first AI-assisted, data-driven NGO evaluation framework.

Shafaf Bhalai Evaluation Framework

Shafaf Bhalai uses a rigorous, evidence-based evaluation framework inspired by global best practices.
Our goal is simple: to help donors direct their contributions to NGOs that create the greatest verified impact per rupee donated.

We do not aim to evaluate every charity. Instead, we focus our research on organizations that demonstrate strong potential for impact, integrity, transparency, and efficient use of funds. 

Guiding Principle

Good intentions are not enough. Impact must be proven.

An Overview of Shafaf Bhalai Evaluation Framework

01.

AI-Assisted Red Flags Screening

Every NGO first goes through the Shafaf Bhalai Red Flag Integrity Scanner™, which performs an initial credibility and risk assessment.

This screening identifies early warning signs related to:

  • Missing or inconsistent financial disclosures

  • Weak governance or compliance gaps

  • Unusual spending patterns

  • Lack of basic transparency or public information

NGOs that raise significant red flags do not proceed to full evaluation.
This ensures that deeper analysis is focused only on organizations that meet minimum standards of integrity.

02.

Evidence of Effectiveness

For NGOs that pass initial screening, we assess whether their programs actually work.

We examine:

  • Measurable outcomes and results

  • Program design and theory of change

  • Use of evidence, research, or evaluations

  • Consistency of impact over time

The goal is to determine whether an NGO delivers real, verifiable outcomes, not just activity reports

03.

Cost-Efficiency Analysis

We analyze how efficiently an NGO converts donations into impact.

This includes:

  • Cost per beneficiary or cost per outcome

  • Administrative and overhead ratios

  • Comparison with similar organizations

This step helps estimate impact per rupee donated, allowing donors to compare effectiveness across NGOs.

04.

Transparency Review

Transparency is essential to trust.

We review whether the NGO:

  • Publishes audited financial statements

  • Shares impact data and results openly

  • Discloses leadership and governance information

  • Is willing to provide data for verification

Organizations that are open and verifiable score higher on this step.

05.

Governance & Accountability Assessment

Strong governance ensures long-term impact.

We evaluate:

  • Board structure and independence

  • Oversight and internal controls

  • Conflict-of-interest policies

  • Ethical and regulatory compliance

This step helps ensure donations are managed responsibly.

06.

Room for Growth

A strong NGO must also be able to use additional funding effectively.

We assess:

  • Unmet demand for programs

  • Clear expansion or growth plans

  • Operational capacity to scale

  • Ability to deploy additional funds without loss of effectiveness

This determines whether new donations will create additional impact, not just replace existing funding.