What is a great charity to donate money to?

[Anonymous]

It is really hard for me to figure out what charities I want to donate money to. How do you determine whether they are using money wisely, etc? I've decided that it is worth doing research into, like a real "investment."

What are some of your favorite charities to donate money to? How do you figure out whether they are really accomplishing their mission and spending donated money wisely?

[Anonymous]

I donate to the March of Dimes and American Cancer Society because they support research

[Anonymous]

...the Unites States Treasury....

[Anonymous]

I donate to Doorways for Women. It's a local charity that provides temporary housing, supplies, education and counseling to women and families who fled their homes during to domestic abuse. I like that they not only provide short-term help, but also work to educate their clients and provide legal, financial and career guidance to help them get back on their feet in the long run.

[Anonymous]

Check out givewell.org. They rate charities with a philosophy similar to yours.

[Anonymous]

What about Obama's library, he can never raise enough corporate money. He needs yours too.

[Anonymous]

The Catalogue for Philanthropy recommends smaller, effective, local nonprofits: http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy-dc.org/cfpdc/index.php

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you pps! Some really helpful suggestions.

[Anonymous]

www.charitynavigator.com

Personally, we donate to our church and to House of Ruth, which helps women and children.

[Anonymous]

I run a non-profit, so I'd say to donate to a small organization, run by people you trust, that is close to your heart. I agree with donating to a smaller organization and one where you can get involved (if you have time) as a board member or volunteer. Even if it's just once a year, I love knowing that our donors are also really connected to our mission and I love that they get to really see the work we are doing.
With my giving, we give once a year to two charities that are close to our hearts (both larger medical research efforts), and I donate $10-20 anytime anyone I know is doing a Kickstarter-type fundraiser.

[Anonymous]

I like Bread for the City-- they are sort of a combination food bank and medical/dental/social work/legal clinic in DC. They run on a pretty lean budget but do good work in a thoughtful way -- like clients can choose groceries at the food bank, instead of getting a bag full of whatever got donated. And they offer nutritional classes, and get fresh local fruits and vegetables in.

[Anonymous]

If you let us know what issues are close to your heart, we could suggest specific charities that we've researched.

For me, I've read a lot of the research on how educating girls and empowering women (to plan their families, to manage their finances, to stand up for their legal rights) pays extraordinary dividends in terms of social stability and overall population health. So I donate to international health and education organizations, like Population Action International, Save the Children, and CARE.

[Anonymous]

Unicef.

Rock bottom overhead costs. Highly effective programs targeted at the neediest populations in the world.

WWF for environmental for similar reasons.

[Anonymous]

Make a Wish or pediatric cancer.

I am a middle school teacher and in the seven years I have been in the classroom, we've lost one student to cancer and watching another fight for his life now.

His parents tell me the majority of cancer research money is spent on adults.

[Anonymous]

Here is one that is special to me:

Catherine's Peace Team is a group of young kids dedicated to raising money for Catherine Violet Hubbard's Animal Sanctuary. Catherine was a 1st grader at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Description
Catherine's Peace Team was founded by Catherine's cousin, nine-year-old Jack Sullivan of Pittsford, NY. He quickly recruited a team of young kids from across Rochester, NY-- they are dedicated to keeping Catherine's memory --and her love for animals-- alive! Several fundraising efforts are underway. All contributions will go toward the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, which will be built in Newtown, CT. For online donations, visit racf.org and give to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Memorial Fund. Mark your donation for "Catherine's Peace Team" so we can track our progress. Thank you!

Got change? Swing by any Moe's of Rochester locations and unload your loose change in our Peace Team containers. Your change will us help us build the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. Big thanks for the Moe's team for supporting our cause!!