It can be challenging to find the best philanthropic match for you and your values. With tons of nonprofits and worthy organizations around the world, it isn’t always easy deciding where to invest your hard earned dollars. Vetting organizations by categories, size, and their cause can be a time-consuming process. Many individuals also have concerns about avoiding potential scams, if the organization is really doing good, and if the IRS approves the organization. The more informed you are about your giving, the more effective your giving will be. Here are a few helpful tips for finding the right non-profit to donate to:

Decide what you are passionate about.

Most nonprofits and charitable organizations depend on funding from donations to stay afloat. With so many organizations making a meaningful impact in society, it can be difficult to narrow down which organizations to donate to. A good starting place is to decide what issues you are most passionate about. Many organizations are focused on making an impact in areas such as the environment, homelessness, children and youth, women’s rights, and animal welfare. Once you decide which issues align the most with your interests, it is time to find the organizations that speak to you the most.

Find an organization.

Fortunately, there are several resources dedicated to helping individuals find organizations that you not only care about but can also trust. If you are considering donating locally, reach out to local community organizations such as churches, libraries, and museums to get a better idea of how you can best help your community. If you decide to donate on a broader scale, below are a few third-party resources to help narrow down your search.

Using data, GiveWell searches for opportunities in the international aid and global health fields. GiveWell recommends selections that they deem as the most capable of benefiting from donations. They also provide a complete analysis of the organization to help donors understand what their donation would be going towards.

With tons of highly rated and verified nonprofits, Philanthropedia takes the guesswork out of finding a reputable organization for your donation. Their provided list includes organizations that support several issues, from disaster relief to climate change to arts and culture.  

Founded by the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP), CharityWatch provides a deeper look into the effectiveness of charities. CharityWatch will inform donors what programs their money will be used for.