Philanthropic Advisors
The internet offers a wealth of information about foundations, charities and charitable giving - but not all of those resources are accurate. Here are a few of the most reputable organizations that provide quality information.
National Resources for Charities
and Foundations
The Institued was founded by Richard Harwood to help people imagine and act for the public good.
This website offers an extensive database of charities, rating each of them based upon the criteria established by Charity Navigator.
Fomerly Give.org, this arm of the Better Business Bureau also determines if selected national charities meet their basic standards.
Holds at least some information on virtually every signficant U.S. foundation.
Provides national standards for various types of foundations and publishes lists of those which voluntarily agree to comply,
The national network of regional associations of nonprofits.
Important IRS Resources for Charities and Foundations
Online center for everything related to tax issues for 501(c)(3) public charities and private foundations.
(opens as a pdf file)
The primary source for information about the deductibility of the most common gifts made both to public charities and private foundations.
Basic overview of a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Similar information for a private foundation.
