If you are suspicious of an organization or believe you have become a victim of a charity scam, several web sites and organizations can help and are listed below.
There are public sources available to assist in determining whether a specific charity is legitimately registered with the appropriate state and federal agencies. To locate information such as exempt status, financial filings and other pertinent details, you can refer to our Knowledge Base article, How can I find information about a particular (non-grantmaking) charity?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides an online Charity Checklist with useful advice designed to help you determine whether the charity in question is a legitimate one.
The resources below may also be useful.
Web Sites
* indicates staff pick
Books and Articles
Check title availability at our libraries and Cooperating Collections or your local libraries.
The latest publications in the Catalog of Nonprofit Literature about foundation giving in economic downturns available at Foundation Center libraries, some Cooperating Collections, or through your local public library.
Comments