🟢 Beginner-Friendly 🟡 Intermediate 🔴 Advanced 

TL;DR 

Not all nonprofits are created equal. A few quick checks like verifying tax status, reviewing transparency, and checking for real-world outcomes can make sure your money supports real change, not just good intentions. 

Why This Action Matters 

With more than 1.5 million nonprofits in the U.S. alone, not all are equally effective or transparent. Giving should feel empowering, not risky. Vetting nonprofits ensures your donation fuels real impact, not just overhead. LiveImpact.io helps you choose wisely and show the world what you support. (https://liveimpact.io) 

Quick Win: What You Can Do Right Now 

- Search the nonprofit on Charity Navigator (https://www.charitynavigator.org/) or GuideStar (https://www.guidestar.org/). 

- Check if they are a registered 501(c)(3) organization. 

- Scan their website for recent updates and clear outcomes. 

Do It Smarter: Vetting by Experience Level 

🟢 Beginner Tip: Verify their tax-exempt status (501(c)(3)) and look for a recent annual report. A nonprofit without basic transparency is a red flag. 

🟡 Intermediate Insight: Review their Form 990 — look for where the money goes (programs vs. admin), and whether they report measurable outcomes. Bonus: Check if they have a conflict-of-interest policy. 

🔴 Advanced Angle: Dig into impact metrics, theory of change documents, and third-party evaluations. Look for unrestricted revenue health, leadership diversity, and governance best practices. Advanced platforms like GiveWell (https://www.givewell.org/) or ImpactMatters can save you time. 

Real-World Example 

After a natural disaster, many donors rush to give. Savvier donors check if funds go directly to relief efforts or if the organization has a track record in disaster response avoiding opportunistic groups that appear overnight. 

Connect It to Other Actions 

- Already vetted and donated? Log your donation on LiveImpact.io to make your impact visible. (https://liveimpact.io) 

- Not ready to donate? Volunteer or share trusted nonprofits in your network. 

Show Your Impact 

Vetting before giving doesn’t just protect your wallet — it strengthens the entire sector. And when you log that action on LiveImpact.io, you show others what careful, thoughtful giving looks like. 

Want to Go Deeper? 

Charity Navigator – Nonprofit Evaluator: https://www.charitynavigator.org/  

Candid GuideStar – Nonprofit Profiles: https://www.guidestar.org/  

GiveWell – Evidence-Based Charity Recommendations: https://www.givewell.org/