Finding and Evaluating Effective Nonprofits

With over 1.5 million nonprofits in the U.S., giving can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By focusing on what matters most to you, you can make a meaningful impact.

Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator, recently sat down with J.P. Morgan Private Bank’s Jamie Hackleman, U.S. Team Lead of The Philanthropy Centre to discuss how donors can cut through the complexity (find the full interview here)–here are some of his insights to guide more meaningful, impactful giving:

Start with Your Heart

Causes grab you by the heart.  Start there, with an emotional connection. Think about what causes matter to you. What problems do you want to solve? What changes do you hope to see in the world? Once you've identified your passion, you can start narrowing down your options. Tools like Charity Navigator can help you find nonprofits that not only align with your values but also have a proven track record of success.

Proactive vs. Reactive Giving

While proactive, well-planned giving is often the best approach, there are critical moments—such as humanitarian crises or natural disasters—when immediate, reactive giving becomes essential. In these urgent times, it's more important than ever to ensure your donations reach reliable, effective organizations. Charity Navigator helps you act quickly and confidently by curating crisis-specific Give Now lists, featuring thoroughly vetted nonprofits. Our expert team does the legwork for you, identifying trustworthy charities that are actively driving recovery efforts, so your donations make a meaningful impact when it matters most.

The Value of Recurring Donations

For donors looking to make a lasting impact, recurring donations can be a powerful way to build a long-term relationship with the causes you care about. Monthly or quarterly gifts provide nonprofits with a reliable income stream, helping them continue their work year-round. For those who value privacy, giving anonymously is a great option to avoid unwanted communications from nonprofits.

A Final Word

Giving for social change is a journey that requires patience and active engagement. Stay connected with the nonprofits you support by tracking their progress, checking their ratings, and understanding the challenges they face along the way. There will be ups and downs, but your involvement can help them adapt and improve.

You can further your support by exploring options like Causeway, which allows you to contribute to multiple charities united by a shared cause, or by setting up recurring donations through the Giving Basket to maximize your impact.