This Giving Tuesday, billions of dollars will be donated within a 24-hour period. Unfortunately, much of that generosity will be diverted to inefficient, opaque, or even deceptive charities. What’s worse is that most donors will never know.
CharityWatch is often the only independent organization standing between honest donors and nonprofits that misuse or squander contributions. Our work is urgently needed, and we cannot do it without the support of people who believe the charitable sector must be held accountable, especially on the biggest giving day of the year.
Unlike automated charity rating databases that simply republish self-reported figures, CharityWatch performs intensive, expert-led reviews of audited financial statements, IRS filings, fundraising contracts, and insider transactions. This is work that takes time, skill, and independence—qualities that are increasingly rare in the nonprofit oversight space. When we uncover inflated program spending claims, excessive executive pay, undisclosed related-party deals, or misleading fundraising tactics, it is because our analysts have done the difficult forensic work most organizations will not touch. Donors rely on CharityWatch to reveal the truth behind glossy marketing and emotional appeals, and to expose the issues that charities hope the public won’t notice.
CharityWatch is a nonprofit too, and our ability to continue this work depends directly on donor support. When you contribute to CharityWatch this Giving Tuesday, you are not just supporting one organization. You are protecting the integrity of charitable giving nationwide. Your gift ensures we can keep investigating, keep rating with rigor, and keep telling donors the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. By supporting CharityWatch, you help millions of people give wisely, direct more dollars to worthy causes, and strengthen the impact of the entire nonprofit community. Your support today matters more than ever.