Q. What organizations offer reports and information on charities? I'd like to learn more before I donate my money.
A. Here are the main industry watchdogs:
The American Institute of Philanthropy: This outfit rates several hundred charitable organizations, focusing on their finances. You can order their Charity Rating Guide & Watchdog Report for $3.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance: This organization rates hundreds of charities and can help you learn which ones may be spending too much of the money they receive on things like fund-raising or office parties. It offers a free Wise Giving Guide and will send you a free in-depth report on any single charity.
GuideStar: This outfit offers you access to tax filings of hundreds of thousands of charities. Its mission is "to revolutionize philanthropy and nonprofit practice with information."
About.com also offers some guidance on evaluating charities.
To learn about some exciting charities, check out our last Foolanthropy Drive, where we offer information on five organizations that may knock your socks off. You can still send them some money, if you're so inspired.
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This question and answer is adapted from The Motley Fool Money Guide: Answers to Your Questions About Saving, Spending and Investing. For answers to this and 499 other common money questions, check it out -- it's a handy resource.
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