Giving 101

Learn everything you need to know to become a top-notch philanthropist—like deciding when, why, and how to donate to a charity.

Why You Should Donate

Discover the benefits of giving to causes you believe in—and learn how to find charities that maximize the impact of every donation.
When to Donate

Time your donations to maximize their impact, and help you reap the tax benefits, too.
How Much Should You Donate

Figure out how much to donate to a charity—and how to split your donations between your favorite causes.

people working on a strategy with poster and notes

Planning ahead can help you make the most of every dollar you give. Use these tips to maximize the tax benefits and help your favorite nonprofit unlock matching funds.

Optimize Your Giving

Street Corner Donation Solicitations

When it comes to street corner donation solicitations, your only obligation is basic manners. But if your interest is piqued, follow these steps.
Supporting Charities vs. Personal Fundraisers

Supporting personal fundraisers can be a beautiful experience - or a horrifying one. Here is what you need to know before you give.
Why Do People Create Family Foundations?

While not legally defined, family foundations are generally understood to be private foundations guided by a particular family's wishes. They have their own advantages and drawbacks.
Introduction to Effective Giving

How to maximize your giving to do as much good as possible.
Donate To Select Organizations

It can be tempting to split your giving budget between many organizations to show your support for the great work they do.
Does My Small Donation Really Matter?

MacKenzie Scott gave millions of dollars to my favorite charity. Does my - much smaller - donation still matter to that organization?
Why Give Black?

Giving to Black-led organizations can help close the giving gap for nonprofits that are led by and helping people of color.
Questions to Ask Charities Before Donating

Make sure you get these essential answers about a nonprofit before you decide to donate.
Easy Ways to Give to Charity

Discover simple ways to give to the causes you believe in, from set-it-and-forget-it monthly donations to volunteering your time.
Why Did a Charity Send Me Money?

Answers to common questions that can help you understand why some nonprofits send you money or gifts in solicitation letters and what it means for you as a donor.
Evaluating Charities Not Rated by Us

Charity Navigator has reviewed more than 200,000 charities—but you might find a nonprofit that hasn’t been assessed by us yet. Learn how to do your sleuthing to ensure your money will be well spent.
Understanding Charity Compensation

We may have been asking all the wrong questions about how charities compensate their leaders. Here’s what you need to know.
Types of Nonprofits

The terms "nonprofit" and "charity" are often used interchangeably. All charities are nonprofits, but not all nonprofits are charities.
Join a Giving Community With Giving Circles

Giving circles are a great way to connect with like-minded philanthropists to amplify your support. Here’s how to find one that fits.
Boost Your Impact With Matching Challenges

Matching challenges are a great way to maximize your impact. Set up your own to double (or even triple!) the impact of every dollar you give.
Donate Your IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)

Learn about the financial benefits of donating your retirement account distributions to your favorite nonprofits.
How to Start Your Own Giving Circle

Learn how to create your own community of like-minded philanthropists to make great things happen.
Get That “Warm Glow” Through Tribute Donations

Donating to a favorite charity in honor of a loved one—or in memory of someone who has passed—can be a wonderful gift.
Add Giving Tuesday to Your Calendar

Giving Tuesday is the perfect addition to the holiday season—and a wonderful way to share your generosity.
Turn Negative Emotions into Impactful Giving

Feeling anxious or angry about what’s happening in the world? See how giving to nonprofits that address an issue you’re passionate about can benefit your emotional health.
Generosity: A Resolution Worth Keeping

You may not stick with your workout goal, but helping others should be a New Year’s resolution that’s easy to keep.
Giving to Native-Led Nonprofits

Learn why you may want to direct more of your donations toward charities that support indigenous peoples.
How to Maximize Your Year-End Giving

Check out Charity Navigator’s guide to making the most of your final donations for this year.
How Native Communities Work Together During Crises

Learn how Tribal Nations banded together to support each other during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changing the Way We See Each Other

Opening yourself up to people from different backgrounds and circumstances can broaden your horizons—and bring help to those who need it most.
5 Key Facts About Political Donations

Fact #1: You can’t deduct your campaign donations on your taxes.
Supporting International Charities

You may be discouraged to learn that Charity Navigator does not rate international charities. Don’t let this be a hindrance. There are ways to give support international charities confidently.
Employee Match Programs: What to Know Before You Donate

Employee matching programs are a great way to make your charitable donation go further. Find out if your employer offers a charitable match today with our guide.
Ramadan: For Muslims a Month of Fasting and Giving

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is Ramadan, a holy time when over one billion Muslims around the world fast and focus their attention on giving to charity.
All About Zakat – Islam’s Obligatory Alms

Learn about Zakat, a required form of charity within the Five Pillars of Islam where Muslims are required to donate a portion of wealth to the underprivileged.

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Giving 101

Creating a Giving Strategy