How can I find information about a particular (non-grantmaking) charity?
NOTE: If you are seeking information about a grantmaker, please see these Knowledge Base articles:
- How do I find grants for my nonprofit?
- How do I approach a foundation and build a successful grantee-funder relationship?
Several online resources can help you research charities and verify their exempt status. Some sites provide detailed descriptive information while others provide only the most basic details.
Be prepared to look at several sources, and be aware that you might not find any information on the organization in question. Below are suggested resources to start with:
- The organization's web site, if one exists. Most established nonprofits will describe their missions and activities. Some will post annual reports, financial data, and staffing. Remember that the existence of a website doesn't mean that any for-profit or nonprofit organization is trustworthy.
- The IRS's Tax Exempt Organizations Search database or GuideStar to verify its exempt status.
- Candid's 990 Finder and GuideStar are free tools to access information nonprofits report to the IRS.
- Secretary of State or other agency that monitors charities. Check to see if the organization is registered and in good standing. However, not all nonprofits are incorporated, so these would not be listed with the Secretary of State.
- Media sources or the Internet. You can probably search many media sources through your local library, as well as search the Internet, in order to see what has been reported or said about the charity.
- Charity watchdog groups. Check the group's methodology to understand how it reviews and rates charities.
See also our related Knowledge Base articles:
- Where can I find an organization's Form 990 or 990-PF?
- What do I do if I suspect that a charity is a fraud?
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Ask usExplore resources curated by our staff for this topic:
Staff-recommended websites
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Staff pick
IRS
Tax Exempt Organization Search
Online search tool that allows users to select an exempt organization and check information about: its eligibility to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions; automatic revocation of tax-exempt status for not filing 990s; whether it has filed a Form 990-N.
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Blue Avocado
Charity Raters Part I: Charting the Bad and the Bad
An article with links to and descriptions of the major charity rating sites including Charity Navigator, Guidestar, the Better Business Bureau, Charity Watch and Great Nonprofits. Keep in miind that most nonprofits are not rated by any organization.
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Staff pick
Search Active Organizations
NCCS
Search active organizations by state, NTEE activity code, EIN and more to find general filing information including ruling date and 990 forms.
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Charity Reviews and Research
GiveWell
An independent, nonprofit charity evaluator that does "in-depth research on charities", that stresses effectiveness over financials. Rates a relatively small number of nonprofits. More raters listed in the Blue Avocado article.
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IRS
Revocations of 501(c)(3) Determinations
Listed organizations no longer qualify to receive tax-deductible contributions under Code section 170. When the Internal Revenue Service revokes recognition of section 501(c)(3) status, Publication 78 does not immediately reflect the change. Instead, the IRS publishes an announcement in the Internal Revenue Bulletin (IRB) that the organization is no longer eligible to receive tax deductible contributions under section 170.
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MinistryWatch
Online database component of Wall Watchers that profiles and reports on public charities, church, and parachurch ministries.
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National Consumers League
Fraud.org
A great place to learn how not to be a victim. Offers specific info on different kinds of fraud and provides an online complaint form to report suspected fraudulent activity.
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Federal Trade Commission
Before Giving to a Charity
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, recommends taking these precautions to ensure that your donation dollars benefit the people and organizations you want to help.
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Staff pick
Federal Trade Commission
Avoid Charity Scams
Information to help donors give wisely. Links to other charity-monitoring organizations.
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National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO)
Links to state offices that regulate charitable organizations and charitable solicitations.