Additional Questions to Ask

Still haven't decided?  Here are some additional issues to consider in selecting a nonprofit to support.

Ask the nonprofit to share information about its organization. How willing is it to do this?

There are a myriad of activities nonprofits undertake to communicate to the public, not the least of which are required by law.  Whether disclosure is required or voluntary, charitable nonprofits should be open and transparent in their operations. Organizations can be open and transparent through a variety of means.  The most prominent of these are the publication of an annual report, provision of information to the public, and required public disclosure.

What is the organization's mission statement? Does the mission statement align with the issues, causes and communities we wish to serve?

When researching a nonprofit, pay special attention to the organization's mission statement before giving.  The mission statement is an expression of why the organization exists or its purpose for being established.  It should be a brief summary of how the organization meets its purpose or needs.

How can the organization tell that it is making a difference? How does the nonprofit measure its results? What are its evaluation methods?

Organizations need to measure the results of their programs regularly to assess whether they accomplish the goals for which the program was intended.  

The key elements of program evaluation are:

• Assessing the programs,
• Identifying measurable goals for programs,
• Measuring resources and effort expended on programs,
• Collecting data and information relating to program results, and
• Using the information gathered to improve programs and the operations of the organization - feedback loop.

Have we reviewed our nonprofit's IRS Form 990?

The IRS Form 990 summarizes an organization's finances (expenses and revenues), lists the salaries of its five highest-paid officials, names all board members and provides a financial snapshot of the nonprofit.  By reviewing the 990, we can see if the organization had a surplus of revenue over expenses, how much it has in reserves and how much it is spending on program activities.

How does the organization go about achieving its mission?

The organization's activities should be consistent with its stated purpose.

Will the nonprofit allow its donors to remain anonymous?

If you so choose, a nonprofit should provide you, as a donor, with the opportunity to remain anonymous. Many organizations provide this option on solicitation pledge cards.  Others honor verbal or written requests for anonymity.  A nonprofit should also offer donors the opportunity to omit their name, or the amount of their gift from lists sold or publicly released.

Can the donor request to receive only a limited number of solicitations each year?

If you ask, a nonprofit should honor your request to curtail repeated mailings or telephone solicitations from in-house lists.