It’s the Giving Season: How to Check Out Charities

<img src="https://aagcu.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/visual-stories-micheile-hQSDJhTf2Po-unsplash-scaled.jpg" alt="undefined" style="height: ;width: "/> We’re about to be besieged by lots of donation requests from both worthy charities and some that aren’t so worthy. While I’m eager to be generous during the holiday giving season, I also want to make sure my gifts are put to good use. I’ve always been inclined to support charities that I have direct experience with or are run by people I know, such as my local church, the Salvation Army, Everybody Dance LA! and AIDS Walk. As a donor, you like to think you’re having an impact and there’s accountability.  If you’re looking for a good cause to donate to, you can find lots of valuable information and ratings on charities at a number of websites. Here are some to check out.  <a href="https://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_self">Charity Navigator</a> You can search by charity name and find out about its financials, tax filings, and board members. <a href="https://www.charitywatch.org/" target="_self">Charity Watch</a> You can see their list of top charities, which are defined as those that spend at least 75% of their budgets on programs. The top compensation packages for nonprofit CEOs are also listed.  <a href="https://give.org/" target="_self">Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance</a> The BBB has standards for charitable giving and the nonprofits that meet them are designated as accredited charities. Besides knowing a charity and understanding where its dollars go, it’s a good idea to avoid any group that pressures you into giving them money. And don’t fall for groups that send gifts in the mail and expect a donation—it’s illegal to demand payment for unordered merchandise. Some charities use similar names to confuse donors and siphon off money from legitimate nonprofits. And one last tip: Once you find a charity that you love and trust, give consistently and generously. You can have a bigger impact with fewer large donations than lots of small ones. <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Savvy-Consumer/" target="_self">Your Guide to Being a Savvy Consumer</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>

It’s the Giving Season: How to Check Out Charities

by Chris Bjorklund

November 13, 2023

We’re about to be besieged by lots of donation requests from both worthy charities and some that aren’t so worthy. While I’m eager to be generous during the holiday giving season, I also want to make sure my gifts are put to good use. I’ve always been inclined to support charities that I have direct experience with or are run by people I know, such as my local church, the Salvation Army, Everybody Dance LA! and AIDS Walk. As a donor, you like to think you’re having an impact and there’s accountability.

If you’re looking for a good cause to donate to, you can find lots of valuable information and ratings on charities at a number of websites. Here are some to check out.

Charity Navigator
You can search by charity name and find out about its financials, tax filings, and board members.

Charity Watch
You can see their list of top charities, which are defined as those that spend at least 75% of their budgets on programs. The top compensation packages for nonprofit CEOs are also listed.

Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance
The BBB has standards for charitable giving and the nonprofits that meet them are designated as accredited charities.

Besides knowing a charity and understanding where its dollars go, it’s a good idea to avoid any group that pressures you into giving them money. And don’t fall for groups that send gifts in the mail and expect a donation—it’s illegal to demand payment for unordered merchandise. Some charities use similar names to confuse donors and siphon off money from legitimate nonprofits. And one last tip: Once you find a charity that you love and trust, give consistently and generously. You can have a bigger impact with fewer large donations than lots of small ones.

Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.