5 Tips for Choosing a Charity

1. Identify your philanthropic passion. Decide exactly what you want your dollars to accomplish. 

2. Find the perfect fit. Confirm that the charity you’re interested in offers programs and services that match your charitable interests.

3. Evaluate the charity’s financial health. Make sure it’s financially efficient and sustainable, so it will have the flexibility and capacity to pursue its missions.

4. Confirm that it is accountable and transparent. The risk that a charity would misuse your donation is lower for groups that follow good governance practices and are committed to being transparent.

5. Review its results reporting. Knowing what the charity has accomplished is critical; after all, its ability to facilitate lasting, meaningful change is the key reason for its existence—and for your donation.

- Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator evaluates the financial health, accountability and transparency of 6,000 of America’s largest charities.