What is the difference between major charities?

Your best bet is to go to Charity Navigator - Your Guide To Intelligent Giving | Home. They evaluate charities based on their IRS 990 forms filed annually. If a charity spends greater than 20% of its revenue on administrative expenses, it is regarded at not a good steward of its finances. read more

A public charity, in contrast, tends to carry out some kind of direct activity, such as operating a homeless shelter. The only substantive change between the two is the manner in which funds are acquired. read more

Understanding these major accounting differences between for-profits and nonprofits can help you avoid surprises and can ensure that your organization meets its financial accountability and transparency requirements under state and federal law. read more