Charities

Updated 11/2012

Wondering if a charity is legitimate? How do they use your donations? Check out these sites for answers that you can trust.

Building Better Charities
From the Illinois Attorney General, a list of charities registered in Illinois, information on wise donating, and reports on individual charities. You can also make a complaint about a charitable organization here.

Charity Navigator
One of the largest evaluators of national charities, Charity Navigator rates the financial health of charities, both in terms of day-to-day financial responsibility and the ability of the charity to be able to continue to offer help over time.

Charity Watch
The American Philanthropic Association gives charities a letter grade based on financial criteria, including the percent of money given directly for programs. They also maintain a list of top-rated charities.

For Charities and Donors
A national charity list sponsored by the Better Business Bureau.  The reports on the charities are thorough and impartial.  There are also general giving tips and forms for making complaints.