Savvy Donor Resources

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

Savvy Donors Tools

• • The Best Charities for You – a Savvy Donors guide
  • Are you a savvy donor? Take the Quiz
  • Fight the flood of charity mail and email
  • The most important cause for you
  • Define your charity “bulls-eye”
  • Budget your annual giving
  • Keep track of your giving
  • Smart and Easy Ways to Leave Gifts to Charity (planned giving / legacy gifts)
  • Five habits of Savvy Donors
  • Tax-free IRA donations are Smart!

Volunteers and Taxes

• • Charity volunteers may be able to deduct expenditures they make for the benefit of a charity.

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.

• • 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 (search for charities)

Books on Philanthropy

• • Inspired Philanthropy, by Tracy Gary
  • 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