Partners in Purpose
Resources for donors to simplify giving and build trust.
Well, somebody has to arrange the matches.
With 1.8 million nonprofits in the U.S. alone, finding a good match can be daunting. Luckily, there are resources and best practices to help you.
Choosing a Nonprofit
Step 1
Identify which social issues to focus on
Step 2
Specify if you have a geographical focus
Step 3
Decide if organization size matters to you
Step 4
Consider expense types you might fund
Step 5
Reflect how involved you want to be
Resources for Finding a Partner
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Educational Opportunities
The New York Times helps you discover nonprofit partners by sharing their stories.
Reading a 990
You may wonder what to make of a nonprofit's 990, the IRS form that helps ensure compliance and informs the public about the organization. This video offers guidance on how to navigate a 990, including:
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Confirm the organization is a 501(c)(3) if you want a tax deduction. (Header)
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Learn how the organization prioritizes its spending on program activities. (Part III)
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Understand the organization's financial position by reviewing its liabilities and assets. (Part X)
In addition to navigating the 990, you may also wonder how to consider expenses such as staff salaries or the presence of an endowment. It can be helpful to think of things like competitive salaries and endowments as assets to an organization's sustainability and, thus, good signs for the impact of your gift. Reviewing organizations' audited financial statements is an important step in understanding their financial health.