How do you "check out" a charitable organization?

[raccoon]

I'm thinking of "Smile Train."

[EstimatedProphet]

1. It takes a library card.

[Midlodemocrat]

2. Go here.

http://www.charitynavigator.org/

This site tracks non profits and it is pretty reliable.

[raccoon]

4. thanks, midlo. nt

[Midlodemocrat]

5. If you are interested in donating to an organization like Smile Train

may I suggest Operation Smile? They are a client of mine and do fantastic work. (Not that Smile Train doesn't, just putting in a plug here)

[raccoon]

7. I'll look into it. nt

[northzax]

3. try Guidestar

which often has information on a lot of non-profits. check the BBB in the city the institution is chartered. see if they have a copy of their 990 on their website, if not ask them to send you a .pdf. find out who is on the Board of Directors, google them to see if there are any issues. (an organization that has people you find distasteful on the board is probably not for you). Find out who their auditors are, and see if there are any potential problems with them. email them with a question and see how responsive they are. find out what percentage of their revenue goes to overhead, if it's more than ten percent, be afraid.

in this case, smile train has good financials, and posts a 990 (through guidestar) (remember, a 990 is public information, if they don't make it easy to find, question that) and a good board of directors, I don't see an immdiate issue.

[JVS]

6. Hit them up for some dough. If they give it to you, they're legit