Top Rated Charities

I'm endorsing the buy-nothing holiday system because most of the people I know don't need more stuff. (Well, maybe everybody needs a little peanut brittle...)

I gave charitable contributions using this site as a guide: American Institute of Philanthropy:

The mission categories list charities which get high grades from AIP for putting 75% or more towards program cost while generally spending $25 or less to raise $100. These groups also receive an "open book" credit from AIP for willingly sending the financial documents we request.

AIP also issues C, D, and F grades but you have to write away for their paper guide to see those...

UPDATE: I just a heard a guy from charity watch on NPR this morning. He said some organizations, like "Feed the Children," use 90% of the money that comes in for administration, profit for the fundraisers, and advertising for more donations. That's not how I want my money spent!

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