Informed Consent in Non-Profit Research: Principles, Practices, and Challenges

Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical research and a moral obligation for non-profit organizations working with vulnerable or marginalized populations. This article examines the three core components of informed consent—disclosure, comprehension, and voluntariness—and explores their application in practice. It analyzes how consent processes can be strengthened through clear communication, culturally adapted methods, and innovative tools suited to low-resource contexts. Case illustrations and best practices highlight strategies for designing inclusive consent forms, conducting effective discussions, and documenting agreements responsibly. By linking global ethical standards to local realities, the article underscores informed consent as an ongoing process that enhances trust, accountability, and participant autonomy in non-profit research.