Charity Navigator
Donate wisely.
1. CharityNavigator.org
Free. Rates 100,000+ charities by efficiency, accountability, transparency.
2. CharityWatch
Stricter ratings. Lists top-rated charities with letter grades.
3. GuideStar / Candid
Free. Look up Form 990 — see exact spending.
4. Watch sound-alikes
Children's Cancer Fund vs official ones. Sound-alike scams target seniors.
5. Donor advised funds
Fidelity Charitable, Schwab. Tax deduction now, give later.
6. Qualified Charitable Distribution
From IRA after 70½. Reduces taxable RMD. Smart way to give.
Skip phone or email donation requests. Give only to charities you researched first.