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>