Charity Ratings | Donating Tips | Best Charities

A Donor Left a $39,000 Bequest to a Local DAV Chapter. DAV N...

Jul 13, 2026

Many donors assume that if they leave money to a local nonprofit chapter, that local chapter will receive and use the gift to serve the community the donor intended to support. A new investigation by The War Horse, published in pa...

Many donors assume that if they leave money to a local nonprofit chapter, that local chapter will receive and use the gift to serv...

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America250.org: Millions Paid to Politically Connected Consu...

Jun 29, 2026

As excitement builds for America’s 250th anniversary, relatively little attention has been paid to the nonprofit organization helping support much of the national commemoration. CharityWatch analyzed America250.org’s IRS Forms...

As excitement builds for America’s 250th anniversary, relatively little attention has been paid to the nonprofit organization he...

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Venezuelan Doublet Earthquakes: Top-Rated Charities Providin...

Jun 29, 2026

CharityWatch announces a list of legitimate, efficient, and accountable charities involved in efforts to aid and assist victims of the earthquakes in Venezuela. On June 24, 2026, northern Venezuela was devastated by a rare doub...

CharityWatch announces a list of legitimate, efficient, and accountable charities involved in efforts to aid and assist victims of...

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CharityWatch Celebrates & Honors America’s 250th Anniversa...

Jun 23, 2026

America marks its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, celebrating an historic semiquincentennial milestone since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Communities across the nation are organizing commemorative events, cultur...

America marks its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, celebrating an historic semiquincentennial milestone since the signing of the De...

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Juneteenth 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Charity

Jun 12, 2026

Juneteenth (the abbreviation for “June Nineteenth”) commemorates the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and enforce emancipation. This occurred two and a half years after P...

Juneteenth (the abbreviation for “June Nineteenth”) commemorates the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 18...

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Memorial Day 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Veterans & Military...

May 19, 2026

Monday, May 25th, 2026 is Memorial Day. Check out CharityWatch’s Top-Rated Veterans & Military charities before giving to ensure your donation is not wasted! Memorial Day is an American holiday that is observed on the last Monda...

Monday, May 25th, 2026 is Memorial Day. Check out CharityWatch’s Top-Rated Veterans & Military charities before giving to ensure...

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May 2026: This Mental Health Awareness Month Donate to a Top...

May 07, 2026

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. during the month of May since 1949. It serves as an important catalyst for helping everyone learn more, seek help if needed, offer support, and open meaningful dialogue t...

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. during the month of May since 1949. It serves as an important catalyst...

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AAPI Heritage Month 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Charity

May 02, 2026

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an annual celebration in May that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. In ...

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an annual celebration in May that recognizes the historical and cultural con...

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Convicted Felon Paid By Animal Charity Smears Its Critics Am...

May 01, 2026

When animal lovers and other donors gave generously to Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals (D.E.L.T.A. Rescue) to support the care and well-being of the animals on its sanctuary, they were likely unaware that their donation...

When animal lovers and other donors gave generously to Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals (D.E.L.T.A. Rescue) to support t...

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Mother’s Day 2026: Give the Gift of CharityWatch

May 01, 2026

For the mom or other caregiver in your life who has everything, consider gifting a CharityWatch account. Help your loved one avoid charity scams and wasteful nonprofits and empower them with the information they need to make the m...

For the mom or other caregiver in your life who has everything, consider gifting a CharityWatch account. Help your loved one avoid...

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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Charity

Apr 29, 2026

Cinco de Mayo is the holiday that commemorates the date the Mexican army defeated France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. It is a popular misconception that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican Independence Day. ...

Cinco de Mayo is the holiday that commemorates the date the Mexican army defeated France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco...

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Federal Scrutiny of Southern Poverty Law Center Raises Quest...

Apr 24, 2026

A federal grand jury has charged the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) on multiple counts, including wire fraud, false statements, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, alleging that the organization engaged in a scheme to d...

A federal grand jury has charged the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) on multiple counts, including wire fraud, false statements...

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Patriotism for Profit: Inside the Business of Veterans Chari...

Apr 24, 2026

Patriotic missions, Congressional charters, and favorable ratings from nonprofit trade associations can give veterans nonprofits an air of credibility, inspiring donors to give to organizations that may not be worthy of their gene...

Patriotic missions, Congressional charters, and favorable ratings from nonprofit trade associations can give veterans nonprofits a...

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Earth Day Reality Check: Greenpeace Faces Existential Crisis...

Apr 20, 2026

As Earth Day encourages support for environmental causes, Greenpeace is confronting a legal judgment that could represent more than a financial setback. It may pose an existential threat. A North Dakota court has finalized a $345 ...

As Earth Day encourages support for environmental causes, Greenpeace is confronting a legal judgment that could represent more tha...

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Earth Day 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Charity

Apr 17, 2026

April is considered Earth Month, and Earth Day is an annual event observed on April 22nd to show support for environmental protection. In 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in California, peace activist John McConnell proposed observing ...

April is considered Earth Month, and Earth Day is an annual event observed on April 22nd to show support for environmental protect...

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Gaming the System? How OUR Rescue’s 4-Star Rating Relies o...

Mar 27, 2026

OUR Rescue (formerly Operation Underground Railroad) currently maintains a 4-star rating with Charity Navigator (CN). What some donors may not realize is that Charity Navigator’s ratings are largely automated and based on what c...

OUR Rescue (formerly Operation Underground Railroad) currently maintains a 4-star rating with Charity Navigator (CN). What some do...

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2026 Update: Nonprofit Compensation Packages of $1 Million o...

Mar 24, 2026

The list below includes the top three compensation packages of $1 million or more at each nonprofit rated by CharityWatch. The Compensation column includes total of base compensation, bonus and incentive compensation, retirement a...

The list below includes the top three compensation packages of $1 million or more at each nonprofit rated by CharityWatch. The Com...

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What Donors Should Know About Leadership Compensation at The...

Mar 21, 2026

The Obama Foundation, the nonprofit behind the more than $800 million Obama Presidential Center, has drawn scrutiny following disclosures that its CEO, Valerie Jarrett, earned $755,862 in salary and other compensation in 2024, wit...

The Obama Foundation, the nonprofit behind the more than $800 million Obama Presidential Center, has drawn scrutiny following disc...

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Charity Blows The Whistle on Chemicals in U.S. Food Supply

Mar 04, 2026

A recent investigation reported by CNN highlights new research from the charity Environmental Working Group claiming that more than 100 chemicals have entered the U.S. food supply without undergoing formal safety review by the U.S...

A recent investigation reported by CNN highlights new research from the charity Environmental Working Group claiming that more tha...

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2026 Sees Major Changes to Charitable Giving Tax Rules

Mar 03, 2026

Several major changes to charitable giving rules took effect at the beginning in 2026. The approximately 10% of donors who itemize their tax deductions likely received a better tax benefit under the old rules, but those taking the...

Several major changes to charitable giving rules took effect at the beginning in 2026. The approximately 10% of donors who itemize...

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Donate to a Top-Rated Charity in honor of Women’s History ...

Mar 01, 2026

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society and has been observed every March since 1987. Celebrate Women’s History Month and donate to a Top-Rated Women’s Issues & Advo...

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society and has been observed every M...

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The Epstein Files: A Cautionary Tale for Charities and Donor...

Feb 27, 2026

Recent releases from the Justice Department’s cache of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein shed new light on the financier’s efforts to cultivate relationships within Jewish philanthropic circles. The files include details of ...

Recent releases from the Justice Department’s cache of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein shed new light on the financier’s e...

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How to Investigate Political Action Committees (PACs)

Feb 19, 2026

Political Action Committees, commonly known as PACs, play a significant role in U.S. elections. Yet many donors mistakenly assume that PACs operate like public charities. They do not. A PAC is a political organization formed to ra...

Political Action Committees, commonly known as PACs, play a significant role in U.S. elections. Yet many donors mistakenly assume ...

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Some of the Biggest Charity Scandals of The Past Year: Chari...

Jan 28, 2026

Laurie Styron, CEO and executive director of CharityWatch, regularly works with journalists across the country by providing expert analysis and plain-language commentary on nonprofit finances, governance, and accountability. Drawi...

Laurie Styron, CEO and executive director of CharityWatch, regularly works with journalists across the country by providing expert...

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Boys Town Issues New Bonds as Abuse Allegations Persist

Jan 10, 2026

Boys Town is one of the most recognizable names in American child-welfare history, built on a century-old legacy that inspired books, films, and decades of public trust. But recent reporting raises serious questions about how that...

Boys Town is one of the most recognizable names in American child-welfare history, built on a century-old legacy that inspired boo...

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NPR Interview: CharityWatch on Scams, Crowdfunding, and Bad ...

Jan 08, 2026

If you want your donations to make an impact, being cautious when choosing charities is imperative. CharityWatch CEO, Laurie Styron, speaks with WBUR’s Robin Young (NPR Boston) about common tricks scammers and unethical charitie...

If you want your donations to make an impact, being cautious when choosing charities is imperative. CharityWatch CEO, Laurie Styro...

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There “Ain’t No Free Lunch” When Donating Online

Nov 10, 2025

As the holiday giving season approaches, many Americans are preparing to support their favorite causes online. Online giving has grown rapidly, making up roughly one-third of the $3.6 billion raised nationwide last year on Giving ...

As the holiday giving season approaches, many Americans are preparing to support their favorite causes online. Online giving has g...

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A List of High Asset Charities That May Not Need Your Donati...

Oct 27, 2025

Charitable giving in the U.S. has held remarkably steady for decades, hovering around 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) since the mid-20th century. That means the size of the giving “pie” doesn’t grow much from year to year...

Charitable giving in the U.S. has held remarkably steady for decades, hovering around 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) since the...

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Animal Charities: Ratings Versus Reality

Oct 21, 2025

Large-scale charity rating platforms often rely on self-reported “impact” results and automated data extraction from unaudited tax filings without examining the accuracy, consistency, comparability, or completeness of this inf...

Large-scale charity rating platforms often rely on self-reported “impact” results and automated data extraction from unaudited...

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Monumental Gray Area: Can a Charlie Kirk Tribute Risk a Chur...

Oct 14, 2025

Treasure Coast Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, Florida is set to publicly unveil a Charlie Kirk monument tonight, October 14th, 2025, on what would have been the right-wing activist’s 32nd birthday. The monument consists of a gra...

Treasure Coast Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, Florida is set to publicly unveil a Charlie Kirk monument tonight, October 14th, 202...

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The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly of GoFundMe’s New Giving F...

Jul 16, 2025

This month GoFundMe announced the launch of its new GoFundMe Giving Fund which provides a new way for people to donate to charity with the benefits of a donor-advised fund (DAF) but without the usual barriers. Instead of giving di...

This month GoFundMe announced the launch of its new GoFundMe Giving Fund which provides a new way for people to donate to charity ...

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Tax Changes Impacting Your Charitable Giving Deductions Star...

Jul 14, 2025

The July 2025 federal tax package introduces significant shifts in charitable giving incentives, with wide-ranging implications for donors and nonprofits alike. Here is what you need to know about how such changes may impact you c...

The July 2025 federal tax package introduces significant shifts in charitable giving incentives, with wide-ranging implications fo...

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How to Report a Charity to State Regulators

May 01, 2025

The majority of states have designated departments that regulate charities operating or soliciting donations within their borders. If you have been the victim of a charity scam, consider filing a complaint with your state’s char...

The majority of states have designated departments that regulate charities operating or soliciting donations within their borders....

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Nonprofits Behind Project 2025 Receive Mixed Ratings

Feb 11, 2025

It is common for U.S. think tanks, irrespective of political affiliation, to propose policy wish lists outlining what they hope will be accomplished by a new administration. The controversial Project 2025, authored by a conservati...

It is common for U.S. think tanks, irrespective of political affiliation, to propose policy wish lists outlining what they hope wi...

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Update: F-Rated Charities Receive Top Ratings & Seals

Oct 25, 2024

F-Rated Charities Receive Top Ratings & Seals CharityWatch has identified many F-rated charities that receive top ratings and seals from other raters; Charity Navigator and Candid, respectively. Charity Name CW Rating Fiscal Ye...

F-Rated Charities Receive Top Ratings & Seals CharityWatch has identified many F-rated charities that receive top ratings and seal...

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R.I.P. F-Rated Charities

Oct 15, 2024

While it is often easy to find ubiquitous amounts of information online and in marketing materials praising a nonprofit’s good deeds and low overhead costs, negative information warning donors about highly inefficient or unethic...

While it is often easy to find ubiquitous amounts of information online and in marketing materials praising a nonprofit’s good d...

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Find Out Who Funds Political Organizations

Oct 15, 2024

527 political organizations are tax-exempt nonprofits, but they aren’t charities. There are more than two dozen different types of nonprofits under the IRS tax code, each with their own rules and regulations, so it is important ...

527 political organizations are tax-exempt nonprofits, but they aren’t charities. There are more than two dozen different types ...

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Is Tunnel To Towers Foundation a Good Charity?

Feb 01, 2024

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation (Tunnel To Towers) receives an “A+” rating from CharityWatch, our highest score, for spending 93% of its cash expenses on its programs, keeping its overhead spending down to 7% o...

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation (Tunnel To Towers) receives an “A+” rating from CharityWatch, our highest scor...

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You Cannot Rely on the Government to Protect You From Bad Ch...

Nov 13, 2023

Often the public is focused on avoiding outright charity frauds and scams. While this is important, it is critical for donors to understand that even a “legitimate” charity may not have good governance or financial practices o...

Often the public is focused on avoiding outright charity frauds and scams. While this is important, it is critical for donors to u...

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CharityWatch Fundraising Reduction Notice

Jul 31, 2023

The number one reason why Americans give is because they are asked. Therefore, charities do a lot of asking. If donors stop contributing to organizations that send them paper solicitations too often, charities will have strong eco...

The number one reason why Americans give is because they are asked. Therefore, charities do a lot of asking. If donors stop contri...

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F-Rated Charities Receive Top Ratings & Seals From Nonprofit...

Jun 22, 2023

Millions of donors regularly search online for ratings of charities before making their giving decisions. This makes sense. Most of us have heard horror stories about charity frauds and scams and do not want to fall victim to a s...

Millions of donors regularly search online for ratings of charities before making their giving decisions. This makes sense. Most ...

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How to Research Charities 101

Mar 15, 2023

CharityWatch’s quality over quantity approach to rating charities necessitates a time-intensive process that unfortunately means we can’t rate every nonprofit. We hope these additional resources will aid you in your research o...

CharityWatch’s quality over quantity approach to rating charities necessitates a time-intensive process that unfortunately means...

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Garbage In, Garbage Out: 4 Reasons Why Automated Charity Rat...

Feb 16, 2023

The reliability of the automated charity ratings is only as good as the accuracy, consistency, comparability, and completeness of the reporting. In other words, garbage in, garbage out.. ...

The reliability of the automated charity ratings is only as good as the accuracy, consistency, comparability, and completeness of ...

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Charity Checkout Donations 101

Dec 27, 2022

“If everything’s above board, that store is really just acting like an agent…they’re really just taking your money and then at some point in the future passing it on to the charity,” CharityWatch executive director, Laur...

“If everything’s above board, that store is really just acting like an agent…they’re really just taking your money and the...

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Joint Costs: Avoid This Popular Charity Accounting Trick!

Dec 09, 2022

In nonprofit financial reporting, the funds spent on telemarketing, direct mail, or other solicitation activities that also include an “action step” or “call to action” are referred to as “Joint Costs.” Many charities ...

In nonprofit financial reporting, the funds spent on telemarketing, direct mail, or other solicitation activities that also includ...

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Is This Charity ‘Legit’?

Nov 29, 2022

Is this charity “legit”? Or, more correctly, is this charity “legitimate”? This is one of the most common questions asked by donors. And yet, what a donor defines as a “legit charity” may be vastly different from what ...

Is this charity “legit”? Or, more correctly, is this charity “legitimate”? This is one of the most common questions asked ...

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Sign Up for CharityWatch’s Newsletter

Jun 08, 2022

Receive CharityWatch’s bi-weekly email newsletter and sign up for a free account where you can save your favorite charities to a list and monitor their CharityWatch ratings, executive salaries, governance benchmarks, and other d...

Receive CharityWatch’s bi-weekly email newsletter and sign up for a free account where you can save your favorite charities to a...

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Busting the Myths of “The Overhead Myth”

Oct 21, 2021

Before donating to charity, many donors want to know what portion of their donation the nonprofit will spend on programs versus overhead. And this makes sense. Charities and nonprofit fundraisers often reference two industry-endo...

Before donating to charity, many donors want to know what portion of their donation the nonprofit will spend on programs versus ov...

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Ratings of Small and Local Charities

Aug 25, 2021

It’s important to understand how smaller charities differ from larger ones so that their financial efficiency and governance can be judged in the appropriate context. ...

It’s important to understand how smaller charities differ from larger ones so that their financial efficiency and governance can...

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10 Tips For Giving in a Crisis

May 09, 2021

You will accomplish more with your donation by giving $100 to a legitimate and highly efficient charity than you will by giving $1,000 to a fraudulent or highly inefficient one. But you must educate yourself on how to do it. Use t...

You will accomplish more with your donation by giving $100 to a legitimate and highly efficient charity than you will by giving $1...

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5 Tips for Avoiding Charity Frauds & Scams

Apr 22, 2021

Your $10 donation to an efficient, effective, and legitimate charity will make a bigger impact in forwarding the cause you want to support than your $1,000 donation to a scammer or highly inefficient nonprofit…

Your $10 donation to an efficient, effective, and legitimate charity will make a bigger impact in forwarding the cause you want to...

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Good Riddance ‘F’ Rated Charities

Jul 16, 2020

(Updated July 2, 2024) CharityWatch analysts collectively spend more than 1,000 hours each year analyzing and reporting on the financial waste and questionable practices we uncover. We warn donors about inefficient charities by p...

(Updated July 2, 2024) CharityWatch analysts collectively spend more than 1,000 hours each year analyzing and reporting on the fin...

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Donate With Confidence

Get detailed information about your favorite charities:

How to Research Charities 101

How to Research Charities 101

How Do You Check A Charity Before You Do...

How Do You Check A Charity Before You Donate?

How to Investigate Political Action Comm...

How to Investigate Political Action Committees (PACs)

Patriotism for Profit: Inside the Busine...

Patriotism for Profit: Inside the Business of Veterans Charities

CharityWatch’s Longstanding Concerns A...

CharityWatch’s Longstanding Concerns About Kars4Kids Gain New Relevance Amid A Major Court Ruling and Ongoing Litigation

The Obama Presidential Center Opens: Wha...

The Obama Presidential Center Opens: What Donors Should Know About the Obama Foundation

CharityWatch Celebrates & Honors America...

CharityWatch Celebrates & Honors America’s 250th Anniversary

Venezuelan Doublet Earthquakes: Top-Rate...

Venezuelan Doublet Earthquakes: Top-Rated Charities Providing Aid

America250.org: Millions Paid to Politic...

America250.org: Millions Paid to Politically Connected Consulting Firms

Celebrate Summer: Donate to a Top-Rated ...

Celebrate Summer: Donate to a Top-Rated Hunger & Food Policy Charity

10 Tips For Giving in a Crisis

10 Tips For Giving in a Crisis

Top Charities

Top Compensation

Donating Tips

Detailed Ratings & Analytics for Over 600 Charities

Give Thoughtfully

Featured News

A Donor Left a $39,000 Bequest to a Local DAV Chapter. DAV N...

A Donor Left a $39,000 Bequest to a Local DAV Chapter. DAV N...

Jul 13, 2026

America250.org: Millions Paid to Politically Connected Consu...

America250.org: Millions Paid to Politically Connected Consu...

Jun 29, 2026

Venezuelan Doublet Earthquakes: Top-Rated Charities Providin...

Venezuelan Doublet Earthquakes: Top-Rated Charities Providin...

Jun 29, 2026

CharityWatch Celebrates & Honors America’s 250th Anniversa...

CharityWatch Celebrates & Honors America’s 250th Anniversa...

Jun 23, 2026

Juneteenth 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Charity

Juneteenth 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Charity

Jun 12, 2026

Memorial Day 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Veterans & Military...

Memorial Day 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Veterans & Military...

May 19, 2026

May 2026: This Mental Health Awareness Month Donate to a Top...

May 2026: This Mental Health Awareness Month Donate to a Top...

May 07, 2026

AAPI Heritage Month 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Charity

AAPI Heritage Month 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Charity

May 02, 2026

Convicted Felon Paid By Animal Charity Smears Its Critics Am...

Convicted Felon Paid By Animal Charity Smears Its Critics Am...

May 01, 2026

Mother’s Day 2026: Give the Gift of CharityWatch

Mother’s Day 2026: Give the Gift of CharityWatch

May 01, 2026

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Charity

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Charity

Apr 29, 2026

Federal Scrutiny of Southern Poverty Law Center Raises Quest...

Federal Scrutiny of Southern Poverty Law Center Raises Quest...

Apr 24, 2026

Patriotism for Profit: Inside the Business of Veterans Chari...

Patriotism for Profit: Inside the Business of Veterans Chari...

Apr 24, 2026

Earth Day Reality Check: Greenpeace Faces Existential Crisis...

Earth Day Reality Check: Greenpeace Faces Existential Crisis...

Apr 20, 2026

Earth Day 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Charity

Earth Day 2026: Donate to a Top-Rated Charity

Apr 17, 2026

Gaming the System? How OUR Rescue’s 4-Star Rating Relies o...

Gaming the System? How OUR Rescue’s 4-Star Rating Relies o...

Mar 27, 2026

2026 Update: Nonprofit Compensation Packages of $1 Million o...

2026 Update: Nonprofit Compensation Packages of $1 Million o...