EVALUATING CHARITIES — Journalists often meet people with an apparently good cause who want you to help them with publicity. You’ll want to know just how good their cause is before jumping on the bandwagon.
TYPES OF NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
— 501c3 Educational, religious, charitable, private foundations, etc. — donors can deduct their contributions from federal (and usually state) taxes. See this IRS page and publication 78.
CHARITY WATCHDOGS:
Candid (GuideStar ) — GuideStar was one of the first central sources of information on U.S. nonprofits and is the world’s largest source of information about nonprofit organizations, says Wikipedia.
Charity Navigator evaluates charities based on public records and financial information.
The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance focuses on good-governance issues.
GiveWell conducts research and evaluates charities based on transparency, cost effectiveness, evidence of effectiveness, and room for more funding.
CharityWatch helps you judge a charity’s fundraising efficiency by comparing fundraising expenses with related contributions.