Give to a Charity? Want to learn more about how they spend their money?

We've all read or seen the many Senate/House committee meetings where they are asking some pretty tough questions of the people that are in charge.  We've all heard how much compensation, perks, bonuses, ect. some of these companies are paying their top employees.  What about Charities?

Since most of them are non-profits, the information on their financial lives is not as accessible.  You can't find a lot of their 'inside' story via SEC filings, quarterly reports or prospectuses like you can with the major companies that are required to file these things.

Well, here's a website where you can look up most charities to see a little more information on them.  You may recall in recent days that the Boys and Girls Clubs organization is now facing some pretty tough questions as to how much of their donated and federal dollars are really going to help out those they deem to help.  For those of you that have missed it, here's the link: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/12/national/main6292413.shtml

For those of you wanting to see what your Charity has been up to, here you go. http://www.charitynavigator.org/  Keep in mind that even if they say the 'base' salary has not gone up for a couple of years, there are also other monetary incentives being paid to some of those that are 'in charge'.  Incentive pay, bonuses, travel reimbursement, entertainment, clothing allowance, ect.

Charity Navigator has over 5,000 charities that they have information on.  It's a free service.  So, take a little time before you write out that check and see where your Charity ranks in Financial Responsibility World.

Have a great week!