How to vet a charity in 15 minutes, and spot the scams
A 15-minute checklist: confirm IRS status, read the ratings, skim the Form 990, and learn the red flags the FTC says signal a charity scam.
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The Charity Checker
Walk through the seven checks worth doing before you give, flag anything that looks off, and get a readiness score with direct links to the official lookups.
Check a charity before you give
How the score works
Each step in part 1 carries points, for a total of 100. Confirming IRS status counts most (20 points), because a group that isn't recognized can't receive tax-deductible gifts. Ratings, the Form 990, a scam search and safe payment are 15 points each; the legal name and state registration are 10 each.
| Score | What it means |
|---|---|
| 85–100 | You've done the homework. Give with confidence, through the charity's own site. |
| 50–84 | Mostly checked. Finish the steps listed before a large or recurring gift. |
| 0–49 | Not ready yet. Spend ten more minutes before you give. |
| Any red flag | Stop and verify independently, whatever the score. Contact the charity through a website or phone number you looked up yourself. |
The steps and red flags come straight from our full guide, how to vet a charity in 15 minutes, which explains each one and how to read a Form 990. The red flags are drawn from Federal Trade Commission guidance on giving to charity.
Don't judge by overhead alone
In 2013 the heads of BBB Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar and Charity Navigator signed a joint open letter warning donors that overhead ratios on their own are a poor measure of a charity's performance. Look for transparency, governance and evidence that programs work. BBB's standards still expect at least 65% of expenses to go to programs (BBB Wise Giving Alliance). For comparing impact, see effective giving.
If something feels wrong
Don't pay. If you already did, call your card issuer or bank, then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Scam texts are a common entry point; this guide to spotting a scam text before you tap covers the tells.
Frequently asked questions
Does a high score mean the charity is good?
No. The score measures how much checking you've done, not the charity's quality or impact. Use it to make sure you haven't skipped a step.
Why are some lookup links generic?
Charity Navigator, BBB's Give.org and ProPublica accept a search term, so typing a name fills in those links. The IRS search, GuideStar by Candid and NASCO open on their own search pages, where you enter the name yourself.
What if the charity isn't rated anywhere?
Small and new charities often lack the filing history rating sites need, and churches don't have to file Form 990. Confirm IRS status and state registration, then ask the group directly about its programs and finances.
Is my information saved or shared?
Nothing is sent anywhere. The checklist works entirely in your browser and resets when you leave or press "Start over."
Sources
- Federal Trade Commission — Before giving to a charity
- IRS — Tax Exempt Organization Search
- NASCO — State charity regulators
- BBB Wise Giving Alliance — Standards for Charity Accountability
- BBB Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar, Charity Navigator — The Overhead Myth letter (2013)
- ProPublica — Nonprofit Explorer
- FTC — ReportFraud.ftc.gov