American Institute of Philanthropy
The American Institute of Philanthropy is a non profit National organization that is dedicated to helping those who wish to donate funds. Their goal is to conduct research about various needs and projects including those related to education and research. This was those who want to donate funds can have the right information relating to what it is they will be contributing to. They have been in place since 1992.
The American Institute of Philanthropy takes a close look at various non profit organizations to ensure they truly are non profit. They are concerned with the ethical issues that surround research and education programs and work to ensure that the proper procedures are being followed including regards for safety. Once they have identified any areas where a particular non profit organization needs to make changes they offer their assistance to them to implement those changes.
They have a complex auditing system that they use for all non profit organizations. This is used to get a detailed outline of how the funds are being used. This information can help those who want to donate money the assurance that the funds they donate are going to be used legitimately.
The American Institute of Philanthropy takes great pride in offering this service to non profit organizations, society, and those who are willing and able to donate funds to those various charity organizations, research programs, and education programs. They do not have anyone on their board that is paid by a charity they watch over so that no favoritism can be a factor.
They have a very rigorous rating system in place for each charity that they over see.
The rating system looks at important issues including the percentage of the funds that are actually spend on the charity itself. This is important because the cost of overhead expenses, advertising, and salaries eat away at the amount that is left over quite quickly.
The American Institute of Philanthropy has set a standard of at least 60% of the funds should be directly for the charity programs. You can go to their website at http://www.charitywatch.org/azlist.html to see a complete list of the charities the watch over as well as their rating. This information can be used to help you make an informed decision about where you will be donating funds.
