25 Best Nonprofits to Donate to (Over 95 Percent Charitable Commitment)

8 Comments

  1. Thank you for publishing this report. I don’t usually donate because of hearing that most of the proceeds go into the CEO’s pockets!!
    I’m an animal lover, too. Wish I could get this kind of information in regard to the better “animal rescues”, also.
    Thanks again!
    Sharon

    1. Traci Hahn

      Hi Sharon,

      If you love animals, donating to a rescue organization is a great idea. There are various resources available from watchdog organizations that can assist you in determining which nonprofits are best. These watchdog organizations look at the financials of nonprofits and rate them based on the percentage of money used on administrative/overhead spending. It’s usually suggested that a group limit their administrative/overhead spending to about 10-15%. Here are a couple of watchdog organization websites you can refer to: https://www.charitywatch.org/ and https://www.charitynavigator.org/

    2. Glenda Whittington

      Just leaving a reply and others concerns relative to use of contributions of funds I read Sharon’s reply to charities. I do donate to causes I feel are critical to humanity. When I look into profits contributions to Charities, I do wonder where it goes and what are the results given.
      So many times one can see salaries which are high-ended and I often feel they are advantaged to a large scale. I get concerned as to why they are making something much? It just tilts to being a little greedy and just what results have actually been produced?
      Most people who donate to causes, do they question as to how it is being used? My Dad would teach us to donate 10 percent and that might become more based on beliefs but not being wealthy, you strive to stretch that money on good will. Then I see the spectrum of salaries to CEO’s and feel there is no self commitment on their part. I don’t see a cap or regulation to how much one makes on “Charity” When I see how much person’s makes I begin to feel it’s just a profitable end.
      I know some people who who are genuinely given to help and I do hope they are greatly Recognized and Respected and esteemed in their work and I am glad they are recognized by the “Rating System” and having a glass ceiling to determine their proof. We All need to know what real work Charities give and focus on the Good of its’ accomplished weight of work it has actually done. I do watch Charity Navigator and others to determine intent but wonder exactly what is being done with all that money – am I wrong?

  2. Elizabeth

    Yes, I agree. I’m guilty as far as giving. I need to know if the majority of the fattest go to the charity, and not to management. Don’t get me wrong. I live on a small single woman’s pension.. I would just rather give the money in person to people I know would appreciate it and really need it then send it to the Red Cross or other charities. Sorry.

  3. Yes I agree, I’ve always given to Charities all my life even with my small 20,000 a year income. I always felt it was good to help others. Then one day I decided to look up with the CEOs make and I was utterly disgusted. Some of them make millions of dollars while I’m giving on such a small income. That makes me very sad and upset that they can dare take that much money for whatever they are doing. I’m very careful now who I give to and how much. I think it should be against the law that a CEO would make that much money when there are people, animals, and the environment in need that they are saying that they are helping. How much of their large salary are they giving ? Just wanted to give my thoughts out there. I feel it is very sad that I no longer give very much to many causes anymore because of this greed.

  4. Carol

    I have always donated to St. Jude – for many years now. I just read that Marlo Thomas takes a $9 million salary from the Chairity!!! OMG! If that is true, I think it is terrible – very greedy! Has anyone ever heard this before?

    1. Traci Hahn

      Hi Carol,

      It’s a great idea to research how charities spend the money they receive. Guidestar is a good resource for information like this. http://www.guidestar.org

  5. Angel

    I read the email chain responses and I feel the same way regarding management salaries, particularly top management. I was about to give to Prison Fellowship Minisrtries’ Angel Tree program to send children of incarcerated parent/s to summer camp and in looking deeper this time ( I had given same program for Christmas gifts to children who have a parent in prison) I was shocked and disgusted to find the CEO making $440,806/yr and collectively the top 5 management people’s salary totaled close to $1.297 million a year (rounded) in 2023. I understand it is a very big organization so must be a big job but like other comments seems greedy and I too wonder how much money those earners are giving back and where else are donations going to besides direct services. Their program expense ratio for past 3 years is 67.73% and while the organization still sponsors wonderful programs and services from a huge budget I will feel better giving to more local charities with the same or similar outreach.

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