[texas_mrs]

I cannot possibly spend my day looking up every organization that contacts them. Can anyone help me sort out which are admirable and which ones just pocket the money and send another request? Is there some website that tells which ones actually use the money for it's supposed purpose?

[1rudeboy]

www.ris.gov.

Basically, if you run a 501(c)3 you must open your books. I'm sure someone out there collects that info, but I'm not sure if your should trust the information they give.

[1rudeboy]

www.irs.gov.

Basically, if you run a 501(c)3 you must open your books. I'm sure someone out there collects that info, but I'm not sure if your should trust the information they give.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I get that many a day, and round-file them all.

Save yourself the stress and do the same.

Pick a couple of worthy ones and send them a check once or twice a year, regardless of those mailings.

I swear, if I give to an organization, it seems they spend every sent I sent them asking for more.

[JimWayne]

An organization that was created for a specific purpose (a short-term goal) is usually a good one. The long term ones exist in order to make money for themselves. The bigger the organization, the greater the fraud.

[RC2]

Reduce them all to the Wounded Warrior Project and you will do a world of good.

[montag813]

I cannot possibly spend my day looking up every organization that contacts them. Can anyone help me sort out which are admirable and which ones just pocket the money and send another request? Is there some website that tells which ones actually use the money for it's supposed purpose?

The IRS won't tell you if they put the $ to good use. Google "Guidestar".

[HereInTheHeartland]

Don't give money to any group; assume they are all scams.

Then look at ones you can work with directly and maybe support one of those groups.
Don't put your money somewhere unless you can be directly involved in helping.

[gdani]

When replying to these groups, you should also include a note telling them not to share your father's name, address, etc with other groups.

Non-profits sell & trade their membership lists with each other all the time.

If they refuse or ignore the request, stop donating.

[RayBob]

www.guidestar.org

You can see their tax returns, ect. See where their money goes, what they pay their officers/directors.

[Kirkwood]

I don’t know of any such list because everyone has different criteria for judging an effective use of donations. Ask your parents to cut their charitable giving to only a few organizations. All other requests go into the trash. They can choose what they want from medical care, veteran’s groups, etc., but then look at the books for those few and see if they meet your expectations. If it does it is a keeper, but if their overhead is too high then cross them off.

Some 501c3s actually post their most recent tax returns online, which saves you time when looking up admin costs, payroll, etc. All of them are supposed to send you the information if you request it. All groups have some administrative overhead, if only to keep records for the IRS.

[RavenATB]

Why not just post the list of non-profits you want to know more about. Maybe someone can help.

[MindBender26]

Go to “Guidestar.com” for a report.

[ADemocratNoMore]

I don't think this is what you're looking for, but if you would permit me to go off on a tangent for a moment, personally I give cash, anonymously, and tell that to all who call or write. I keep a few larger bills in my wallet and they find their way into the Salvation Army kettle, fireman's boots when they collect for widows and orphans, and they purchase a paper poppy on Memorial Day.