Money doesn’t imply value. Don’t throw money at a project or base your success on the amount of funds you can spend. Otherwise, you will be perceived as a sucker’s source for new wealth. Strive to be a partner instead and be frugal about your budget.
Too many Afghans, particularly those with privileged contacts, regard the international community as a gravy train to be exploited while it lasts. Focus on those Afghans who are serious about really helping their communities. Pay attention, too, to their ethnic or tribal background, family ties, and so on. It’s important to understand who is who.