Resources for Donors

We’ve rounded up a bunch of our favorite resources. Consider bookmarking this page for your reference and convenience when you’re doing charity-related research.

Nonprofit and Charity Research

• Do your CharityCheck to identify the organization and find its tax status and EIN (employer identification number).
• Dig further with the top free charity research websites to find out more about an organization’s mission, operations and finances.
• The EIN is the gateway to information about a nonprofit, with the organization’s IRS Form 990 being the first place to look. Find a Charity IRS Form 990 super-fast and free

Giving Smart

• Smart and Easy Ways to Leave Gifts to Charity – gifts to charity don’t have to be complicated, they can be smart and easy . . .
• Five Habits of Savvy Donors – helping you identify and support strong charities doing solid work, and avoid the wasters and fakers.

Donor-Advised Funds

• Checklist: Comparing Donor-Advised Funds
• IRS pages on Donor-Advised Funds

IRS Rules and Requirements

These donor resources can help you learn about the IRS rules and requirements related to charitable giving.

• Exempt Organizations Select Check (formerly Publication 78)
• Publication 526 — Charitable Contributions
• Publication 557 — Tax Exempt Status for Your Organization
• Publication 1771 — Charitable Contribution Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements

Consumer Protection Help

These government donor resources can help you with consumer protection matters.

• Federal Trade Commission — Donating to Charity advice and tips
• Directory of State consumer protection agencies dealing with charity issues
• California Registry of Charitable Trusts

Books on Philanthropy or Charity

• Inspired Philanthropy, by Tracy Gary — Our review plus Amazon.com (Smile) link
• Leap of Reason, by Mario Morino
• Stop Acting Rich … and Start Living Like a Real Millionaire, by Thomas J. Stanley
• Toxic Charity – How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, by Robert D. Lupton
• Start Something That Matters, by Blake Mycoskie
• Social Entrepreneurship – What Everyone Needs to Know, by David Bornstein and Susan Davis