Use the following links to learn more about a particular charity, or find additional information on charitable giving. Note: Links will open in a new browser window or tab.

Sources for Charity Information Filed with the Government:
The Foundation Center
Economic Research Institute
GuideStar
National Center for Charitable Statistics
IL Attorney General
NC Secretary of State
NY Attorney General
MA Attorney General
OK Secretary of State
WV Secretary of State

Sites such as the Foundation Center, the Economic Research Institute, Guidestar.org, the Illinois Attorney General, North Carolina Secretary of State, the New York Attorney General and the Massachusetts Attorney General are excellent sources for finding a charity’s tax filings, also known as IRS Form 990s. Guidestar.org, unlike the other sites listed, requires first-time users to register an e-mail address before providing access to charity information. Guidestar.org publishes only charities' most recent three tax filings, Foundation Center and the Economic Research Institute post recently updated 990s as well as older 990s going back several years. The charitable databases of the Illinois Attorney General, North Carolina Secretary of State, New York Attorney General, and Massachusetts Attorney General may also contain audited financial statements for organizations soliciting in those states (many of which also solicit nationally).

It may be better to obtain a charity's financial documents from these sources, rather than directly from a charity. We have seen instances where charities post either incomplete or partial financial documents on their websites and these sources obtain much of their information from official government filings. Also, charities that file partial or false information with the government may be subject to fines or penalties.

NASCOnet
To find out if a charity is registered in a particular state, click on the state's name at NASCOnet. Some state government charity offices have registration and/or financial summary information available on-line. Remember that registration does not imply an endorsement by the state.

National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP)
NCRP promotes accountability and responsiveness in the philantrophic field. NCRP's staff monitors philanthropic practices and identifies potential areas for reform that can make a positive, progressive difference for the nonprofit community.

Federal Trade Commission
The FTC cracks down on charity frauds. Also visit Operation: False Charity and Operation: Phony Philanthropy.

IRS Exempt Organizations
To see if donations to a charity are tax-deductible, go to the IRS site under Internal Revenue Services Exempt Organizations.

InterAction
The largest alliance of U.S. based international development and humanitarian nongovernmental organizations.

MinistryWatch
Online database of Wall Watchers, a watchdog organization, with profiles of and reports on christian faith-based charities and groups.

ECFA
An accreditation agency comprising christian evangelical organizations which comply with standards for financial accountability, fundraising and governance.