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.

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: Phony Philanthropy.

GuideStar
The Foundation Center
IL Attorney General
Project Sunlight (search for organization name, then click "charities")
Economic Research Institute

Sites such as Guidestar.org, the Foundation Center, ERI, Project Sunlight and the Illinois Attorney General’s sites are excellent sources for finding a charity’s tax filings, also known as IRS Form 990s. The Illinois Attorney General's charitable database also contains audited financial statements for organizations soliciting in Illinois (many of which also solicit nationally) if the charity's annual gross receipts exceed $150,000 or if the charity used a paid professional fund raiser and raised contributions in excess of $25,000.

Please note Guidestar.org requires first time visitors to register an email address and create a password before providing access to the IRS Form 990.

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.