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• The IRS’s Exempt Organizations Selection Check can be used to verify if an organization has a valid 501(c)(3) or other tax-exempt designation. The IRS also lists organizations that have had its tax exempt status revoked.

 

• Private watchdog organizations often review data and reports on organizations and may grade them based on various spending standards and other procedures. Some of those groups are Wise Giving Alliance , Council of Better Business Bureaus or local BBB offices which can be contacted through, CharityWatch, and Charity Navigator.

 

• The organization’s IRS Form 990 return can be viewed on Guidestar. A free registration process is required to access the reports. The 990 will include information on how the group raises and uses its funds, and other operational details about the group. Important details to pay attention to include what percent of expenditures are used on program expenses rather than management and fundraising expenses. Descriptions of programs and expenses are often revealing, as well as reported information about travel and compensation levels. Self-dealing transactions between the charity and one or more of its directors should also be examined.

 

• Internet searches can often reveal useful information about accomplishments of the organization, or information about questionable activities.

 

•  The organization’s written and web-based materials can also be an important source of information.