I use the free preview at www.guidestar.org. I then download the 1040's that are available. I go over the balance sheet.
I look at the BOD. I scrutinize every page in that download. I try to guesstimate how much funding goes to the founders, and administration.
I then look at who's making the most money, including expenses, at the nonprofit. I have found too many people use
nonprofits to support a comfortable lifestyle, and the cause comes second to their comfort. I have found, in too many cases, one person(many times--a husband, and wife) makes a lot of money, and the nonprofit doesn't seem to do much! This works for smaller nonprofits.
As to the larger nonprofits--many make me sick. That money could go to other causes. Off the top of my head these are the large nonprofits that need a through forensic review before donating to: (1) Goodwill (2) Cars for kids (when
I reviewed this organization, they had one home in the Sierra foothills for, I believe--12 children, and most of their money was spent on advertising.) (3) St. Jude (correct me if I'm mistaken, but I heard they have enough money to survive for the next 100 years, and that's accounting for inflation, and growth?)
I love nonprofits. I just want to make sure that cause gets the money, or expertise. I'm tired of the scams.
I then look at who's making the most money, including expenses, at the nonprofit. I have found too many people use nonprofits to support a comfortable lifestyle, and the cause comes second to their comfort. I have found, in too many cases, one person(many times--a husband, and wife) makes a lot of money, and the nonprofit doesn't seem to do much! This works for smaller nonprofits.
As to the larger nonprofits--many make me sick. That money could go to other causes. Off the top of my head these are the large nonprofits that need a through forensic review before donating to: (1) Goodwill (2) Cars for kids (when I reviewed this organization, they had one home in the Sierra foothills for, I believe--12 children, and most of their money was spent on advertising.) (3) St. Jude (correct me if I'm mistaken, but I heard they have enough money to survive for the next 100 years, and that's accounting for inflation, and growth?)
I love nonprofits. I just want to make sure that cause gets the money, or expertise. I'm tired of the scams.