Philanthropic Guides

Every 501(c)(3) group must make certain documents, including the annual IRS 990 form. Many choose to make them available via the Guide Star website. This ensures that you are in compliance by making the documents instantly available to anyone who inquires. At the same time, those who make larger donations often use a resource like Guide Star or Charity Navigator in deciding where to make a contribution. Charity Navigator uses an unbiased, objective, numbers-based rating system to assess the financial health of over 5,000 of America's best-known charities. If your group meets the criteria, this is a good place to be listed.

Charity Watch is the website of the American Institute of Philanthropy rates over five-hundred charities. The mission of AIP, a nonprofit charity watchdog and information service, is to maximize the effectiveness of every dollar contributed to charity by providing donors with the information they need to make more informed giving decisions.

You can help your Atheist group raise funds by having it listed with one of the philanthropic guides. The Better Business Bureau has a branch called called the Wise Giving Alliance. They publish a Wise Giving Guide which lists all of the organizations who have applied and meet their standards. Look into the requirements and try to implement changes in your organization to comply with the standards before applying for inclusion in the guide. Contact your local United Way and arrange to have donations accepted though them.