Pajiba

AmeriCares

The Jimmy Fund

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has always been my favorite since it hits both on my lawyerly side and, more importantly, my nerdy side.

Gilda's Club Worldwide

It's named for Gilda Radner and provides free social and emotional support to men, women and children living with cancer, their family and community of friends.

Great diversion...

I like lots of little charities that would never win so in the interests of consensus I concur that Heifer International is actually awesome (in every use of the word).

the SPCA! yay animals!

How about the Innocence Project? I really can't think of anything worse than serving hard time for a crime I didn't commit.

I'll add a vote to Heifer International and Habitat for Humanity, both great non-profits.

Amnesty International and FINCA - a microlending non-profit.

Caringbridge.com (a website for people with a terminal illness)
Susan G. Komen Foundation (breast cancer awareness, started here in Dallas)
Habitat for Humanity

Doctors Without Borders
World Wildlife Fund
The Seeing Eye (guide dogs for the blind)

SPCA.

okay, now i feel like an asshole. not only for the double post but for my vote. although i am sometimes loathe to admit it, i guess people are more important than dogs and cats. but just barely. i'm changing my vote to the Southern Poverty Law Center or Habitat.

PaddyDog - I went searching on the interweb and found this web site for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund: www.cbldf.org

kb - I think your suggestion was a good one. It's hard to choose when so many issues need our attention

I'm not afraid to be an asshole, I like animals MUCH more than most people.

ASPCA
Humane Society
Best Friends Animal Society

My bad! Seriously, my computer froze up and I thought it didn't go through. Truly wasn't trying to be obnoxious and double post.

Doctors without Borders
Oxfam

1.House Rabbit Rescue Society
(locally BUNNYLUV rescue)
2.Ronald McDonald House

i'm so glad you mentioned heifer international. second that.

Oh man, I wasn't even even going to go into the people/animal debate when I voted for Voices for Pets but someone else did so now I feel the need to jump in.

Animals are much better than people. Animals do not rape and torture eachother. They're not greedy and they do not pollute the world. They deserve all our help because most of their problems are caused by us.

Amnesty International. They're actually under a budget shortfall right now, so if you'd like to contribute on your own, they desperately need to make up some dough by the end of the month.

An AmeriCorps program by the name of City Year. They do all sorts of cool stuff for kids. Check 'em out at cityyear.org.

Since people are suggesting multiple organizations:
America's Second Harvest
Medecines Sans Fronteires
St. Jude's Children's Hospital
Heifer International

the innocence project

I'm gonna go way off the beaten path.....I am a member of our local community theatre group, and we are trying to build/purchase a new/used building to use as a theatre for our group, our local community chorale group, and others. We do a lot with the children of our community and want to re-instate children's theatre workshops that used to be held around here in the summer time. My town is very, very small and there just isn't a lot to do here (no theatre, movie or otherwise, other than us, no malls...nothing) so we are trying to find ways to get kids involved in something, other than just running the streets. We could use all the help we could get...
www.rushcountyplayers.org (Rush County Players)
(yes, we are STRICTLY non-profit!)

I am also a big ASPCA fan!!!

Special Olympics :-) Close to my heart :-)

All of these organizations are great! Hugs to all the Pajibans out there today...but can we return to sarcasm and nastiness tomorrow please?

The Matthew Shepard Foundation
NARAL
ASPCA

Aww... Pajiba cares!

Oh my god--although I remember you guys mentioning it in a previous review, I forgot what NAMBLA was and had to Google it. Yikes!!!

Any animal charity works for me--thank you Agent Scully, you said it well!--but in the interest of consensus, we'll go with SPCA.

Water For People.

According to Guidestar, their admin costs are really low, which means the money goes where it's supposed to, they're small so the money will make a big difference, and what could be more important to those in 3rd world countries than clean water?

doctors without borders

Second posting, but I want to encourage as many as possible to visit The Smile Train website. No other charity of which I am aware gives 100% of the donations to the beneficiaries. I do not think I am over stating the case when I say that the repairs to the children's cleft lip/palates in essence gives them their lives back. Otherwise, they are relegated to the very fringes of existence where they are all too often the objects of shame, suspicion, and ridicule, even within their own families.

I also must respectfully disagree with those who assert that the Salvation Army does not propagandize and prosthelytize. I used to work with them and have seen their missionary zeal in practice. I would also encourage donors to look up the admin/fun raising v. flow through ratio of any charity. I was astonished to learn that more than half of the donations for many so-called non-profits are spent on internal expenses (I am looking at you PETA).

My favorite nonprofit is one that actually fits in well for this site - Film Aid International (filmaidinternational.org). They screen free films for refugee camps across the world.

I'm also a fan of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and Modest Needs.

Habitat for Humanity!...or the HRC. Whatever floats.

I'm pretty fond of Amnesty International, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, and the American Red Cross.

Like katy up above, I don't donate very much to larger nonprofits, admittedly mostly because I know small local charities are always struggling desperately for funds due to being both A) small and B) local, which make it hard to get publicity or convince visitors of their relevance. I worked for a summer for an English nonprofit of that sort, and try to support local efforts when I can--though on a shoestring grad student budget I don't manage to donate much these days besides time volunteering. (One day...one of these damn days...)

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Women for Women International
, a global network to help women affected by war, matching rape victims and refugees in war-ravaged countries such as Rwanda, Sudan and Afghanistan with sponsors who write to them and send donations - $30 a month - to fund employment training and rehabilitation.

yay for a comment diversion that gives back!

1) Heifer International, one fo my good friends is working at one of their farms, so I have learned a lot about it and it a great organization!

2) Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

3) Habitat for Humanity... ditto an earlier post...building stuff is fun!

My big nonprofit is Free The Children (http://www.freethechildren.com/index.php)

The Kilburgers have done worked for years to aid in the plight of child labourers worldwide for years. They focus on youth to youth education and ambassador programs as well as providing needed aid. Unlike a lot of non-profits 91% of their funding goes directly into aid programs for at risk kids and their communities. They focus on ensuring that children worldwide have acess to education, healthcare, sanitation and water as well as helping to find alturnative incomes for families that would normally send their children to work in near slave labour conditions.

I have friends that work with Free the Children and the thing that has always impressed me the most is their dedication. Everyone involved from Craig Kilburger on down make my teeth hurt with their goodness and willingness to sacrifice to allow others a chance at a better life.

There's a Comic Book Legal Defense Fund???? What do they defend? Is there a whole body of tort law built around justifying Superheroes who break stuff in the course of their world-saving exploits? I'm intrigued. Please elaborate.

LOL. Essentially, they fight censorship and defend the 1st amendment rights of those in the comic book industry. You wouldn't believe how much censorship goes on (I'm looking at you Comics Code Authority). http://www.cbldf.org/

Along those same lines, I always contribute to ACTOR http://www.actorcomicfund.org/ The help provide moneatry to aging comic professionals. Most legends that help create our most popular heroes of today don't have any retirement or health care because everyone worked freelance.

I also give to the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (http://www.mkacf.org), which helps fight domestic violence and cancers that affect women.

My favorite nonprofit is one that actually fits in well for this site - Film Aid International (filmaidinternational.org). They screen free films for refugee camps across the world.

I'm also a fan of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and Modest Needs.

I think we need to support promise city, they are recently in the middle of an unexpected population explosion

Hurray for the CBLDF and heifer international
and this is somewhat off topic, but I am anal when it comes to facts, and I'm sorry Agent Scully, but several species do in fact use rape as a reproductive strategy (like ducks, oddly enough), African wild dogs often eat their prey alive, and have you ever seen what a cat does when it gets its paws on a mouse? not that you should ever judge animals by human moral standards. Also, non-gmo pigs are horrible polluters (b/c they can't digest phosphorus) but that's actually our fault - we bred them that way. (I am full of semi-useless facts.)

I hate to insert any contention into the feel-good diversion, but I have to agree with those who have a down on the Sally Army. They are quite anti-gay in their activities and have refused membership to homosexuals.
Also, having worked for a 501-C-3 for several years, it actually is a big deal if a charity spends anything more than 20% tops on overhead. It's virtually impossible to justify more than 20% on overhead from an ethical accounting point of view. Salaries, office space, etc. should never consume as much income as the intended recipients of the charity. If they do, you're paying someone too much, renting above your means, etc. or not in it for legitimate reasons.

National Rifle Association

Let's face it, the ACLU doesn't protect the second amendment.

I will also second Amy's shout-out to Covenant House!

And if we're considering organizations that provide surgical repair for conditions that cause social stigmatization and isolation of young people, how about UNFPA and the Campaign to End Fistula??

MADRE - a human rights organization that works "with women who are affected by violations to help them win justice and, ultimately, change the conditions that give rise to human rights abuses. And we challenge US policies that undermine human rights." Small but fierce.

Throwing back-up votes to:
MSF/Doctors Without Borders
Oxfam
CARE

I am into pets so here it goes:

Greater Chicago Ferret Association. Fantastic group that does very well with a very misunderstood and fantastic animal.

Illinois Bird Dog Rescue. This is a home run group with a very dedicated woman at the helm. Again taking care of a breed/s that people do not understand what they are buying into.

My wife and I have adopted from both and are beyond reproach and need as much assitance as possible.

Thanks

Terry Fox Foundation.

The man was THE greatest Canadian, IMO. His story is inspiring and tragic but b/c of what he accomplished - people like me will never forget him.

Terry Fox Foundation - not just for Canadians.
(in fact one of most spine tingling moments of my life was when arriving at the Terry Fox Run in Malaysia and seeing a video of Terry running on the jumbotron as we approached).

My top pick is definitely Heifer International for their amazing programs helping poor people and communities all over the world.

Other favorites:
Habitat for Humanity - because helping people build their own homes makes all the difference.
The Salvation Army - one of the organizations that just keeps working and helping people in America's most depressing inner cities.
Engineers Without Borders - designing and building basic water and sewer systems in areas where those alone will save hundreds of lives from disease.

Great diversion.

SPCA, all the way. Go, dogs, go!

This is an organization that is actually making a dent in the problem it is tackling, and the subject beneficiaries are far more admirable than 99.9% of human beings. The San Francisco SPCA is one of the finest entities I have ever come into contact with (having done some pro bono work for them in the past), not just among non-profits, but among all organizations. They are well-run and grimly, pragmatically efficient at furthering the human race's stewardship of and obligations to the politically mute beings we share this galactic pebble with (notwithstanding the posh pet holding area that garnered headlines, not rational analysis -- that unit was privately paid for).

And go Kissing Suzy Kolber -- fuck you PC po-po, KSK is the shit. Absolutely guaranteed to offend, or your money back.

Everyone that was looking for a watchdog group:

Charitywatch.org is a good start. They review the financials of most major charities. They have a list of their top rated non-profits on their website.

You can also request a non-profit's yearly financial reports; they are required by law to provide them to the public.

Hey guys! I love and definitely second the SPCA, but don't forget the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children!

The Jimmy Fund.

My 5-yr old nephew was diagnosed with leukemia last year and they are just beyond words. Everyone from the Boston area knows the Jimmy Fund, but until my nephew was diagnosed I never really grasped how amazing the organization truly is...they will always be my non-profit of choice.

smile train

This is local to Fort Worth, TX...

The WARM Place, an acronym for What About Remembering Me

They run grief support groups for children and young folk (age 5-25) who have experienced a death loss (parent, sibling or other important loved one). Families are required to attend together so they learn to heal as a family with age appropriate groups for everyone. When it opend its doors 18 years ago, The WARM Place was one of only a handful of such programs in the country and became a model for others. If you ever want to become involved in something similar in your community, ask your local children's hospital or area hospice agency for the programs to which they refer their families.

www.rushcountyplayers.org (Rush County Players)

GO LIVE THEATER! Rush County Players....totally not for profit! That's my favorite Charity!

Planned Parenthood
Operation Smile
SPCA
St. Jude's Childrens hospital
Habitat for Humanity

I love Heifer International, happy to see it get lots of love here. All the others are worthy as well, except the NRA. I ain't down with that one.

I also want to give a shout out the hungersite.com because its free and all you have to do is click to contribute. It has links to all of their other worthy sites (breast cancer, literacy, child health, rainforest and pet rescue) and every click helps. So if you're short on money but want to help make the world a better place in your own small way go to the hungersite.com. Okay, I'm jumping off my soapbox now.

Habitat for Humanity
~ a full-time Americorps volunteer

I also like to support Bitch magazine because non-profit, independent feminist media needs all the support it can get.

The UN's World Food Program is desperately lacking in funds. It has had to cut the rations it gives to refugees in Sudan in half in recent years.

This is something that needs money, does incredibly great work, and would directly benefit from your donations. Rather than just needing money to spread awareness or help people who are down on their luck, which are good too, this program is very directly helping people who need this help very, very much.

Parenthood, sorry. Can't stand to have incorrect spelling

ACLU

Doctors Without Borders

And since no one else has mentioned it, how about the American Red Cross? I know they got a bad rap after 9/11 but they do a great job and charitywatch.org rates them an A+

Medecins Sans Frontieres

Hey guys, I have to give a shout out to Global Fund for Women. What they do is give grant to the small NGOs and collectives in developing countries that work with women's issues (reproductive health, sexuality, political enfranchisement, etc.) and really need a boost. I run an NGO in a developing country and one of the biggest issues is getting funding as a small organization, particularly for building infrastructure and sustainable day-to-day operations. We need folks like GFW, and they can't give money unless they're getting money. So yeah, check out the website (www.globalfundforwomen.org) and donate some cashola! Every little bit helps.

I'll second the Oregon Food Bank...yeah locals. :)

Other than that, though, I'd go for Doctors Without Borders or the Red Cross.

Equality Now

Heifer International is my favorite. A family friend who recently passed away always used to give animals in our name for Christmas. Now we all do it in his memory.

SPCA looks like it's a sure winner (and a worthy one!), but I have to support my Rush County Players(www.rushcountyplayers.com). Community theater still lives in the heartland, and may it ever thrive.

Rush County Players is a wonderful non profit organization for families in our own county, as well as outside of our county to get involved in a worthwhile family oriented theatre group.We have many people from outside the county as well come to our auditions and get involved in all aspects of theatre. Our goal is to obtain a suitable building for this theatre group to continue its efforts as we strive to involve all ages in live theatre productions. It is heartwarming to see(at times) 3 generations participate in our live theatre productions. We value families and believe that valuable life's lessons are learned by all who participate in theatre productions.Please help us to continue and expand with this worthwhile endeavor.

International Justice Mission - They work to rescue victims of violence, sexual exploitation, slavery and oppression. They not only work to free the victims, but they help equip them afterwards to transition into their new lives. And they pursue legal action against the perpetrators. They are a really great group, and they have a pretty good rating on charitynavigator.org.

Teach for America and Reading is Fundamental - Because education is incredibly important, and there's a huge need for quality teachers out there.

I would have to say Habitat for Humanity and 10,000 Villages.

Oh, and I forgot the Ronald McDonald House! My grandmother voluteers there every Monday and she is 80! That place is soo great!

Dillony, you've never heard of us cause we are buried in the middle of a very boring state. But, we are one of the longest lived community theatre groups in this state, and are committed to helping out our community, thru working with other organizations (every summer, Relay for Life-American Cancer Society, and currently the Humane Society, as well as United Way, Red Cross, etc) and directly with youth in our community, to give them something better to do than run up and down the streets, play video games or whatever. We want to give them a place to learn, to thrive, to grow, and to be positive people. As a completely member and community supported group, we thank you for your support! Rush County Players!!!!

Boys & Girls Club

1. The House Rabbit Society
everyone should have a house bunny :-)

2. The Marine Mammal Society

3. National Wildlife Federation

SamanthaT, I do not want to hijack this thread with a discussion on fraud and charities but I must respond to your comment briefly. Suffice it to note that it is precisely because fraud is not "an abstract concept" that the putative fraud committed by CA reps upon shareholders does not taint other unrelated activities. That does not change with the severity of the fraud or the vulnerability of the victims. It remains relevant only to the defrauded and fraudulent parties. This is a fundamental concept that I drilled (ahem, rhetorically) into my law students. The putative fraud, even if proven, would not be actionable against the charity. That is a material--not a personel--difference. The key analytical point is evaluating the activities of the charity in light of their charter/goals, not ascribing irrelevant behaviour/activities to non-germane parties.

That The Smile Train passes through 100% of the donations to dramatically improve the lives of children is beyond peradventure. Others may validly choose other charities for personal reasons but the untainted actions of The Smile Train doctors is entirely different from the politically/philosophically motivated and animated actions of some charities, e.g., The Salvation Army, see above.

My fav non-profit is the Gulu Walk Foundation.

The walk happens once a year and it's to raise money for the children of Uganda.

*Shameless plug time*: If you go to www.guluwalk.org/learn and search "team ramrod" you can donate money to my team!

"The putative fraud, even if proven, would not be actionable against the charity."

Nobody's claiming that it should. I simply wanted to point out that the reason the ST has to spend nothing on overhead is because its overhead is taken care of by a huge corporation, not because it's such an incredibly well-run charity. Many charities with less popular/sympathetic (some would, admittedly, say "worthy") goals couldn't ever gain such support.

I don't think that CA's ill-gotten gains are entirely irrelevant to the discussion on this thread. Irrelevant in a legal sense, yes, but not in the Pajiba sense. Feel free to quote me on that one, fellow posters.

s. pisaster...thanks for noticing (RCP). I am a BIG Pajiban, and so alerted my theatrical peeps to this site (not the first time I have sent people here..) we are not proud...just happy to get the name out there!

The Human Fund

Rush County Players has my vote!!!

I figure, free publicity, if nothing else.

the Riverkids project. RiverKids provides community-based care for children and families at risk of child trafficking in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

disclaimer: I work for the ACLU of Alaska-Bong Hits for Jesus!

ACLU
RAINN
Amnesty International

Habitat for Humanity-I was also a full-time AmeriCorps member that worked at a Habitat affiliate for a year. That was the best way to spend a year after undergrad while figuring out what I wanted to do with my life.

This year, I donated meager amounts of money to the ACLU and March of Dimes. If I had more, I'd also give to Planned Parenthood and Alzheimer's research.

Nebraska AIDS Project, South Dakota Boxer Rescue,
Planned Parenthood, Humane Society

Professional fund-raiser for 10 years here - for a variety of non-profits including a university, Girl Scouts, and small arts organizations.

The general ratio of overhead expenses should be in the 25-30% range (higher for large organizations like American Red Cross, lower for small local ones). It would be nice if all non-profits could give 100% to their beneficiaries, but that would also mean that nobody but the rich could afford to work for a non-profit. As it is, we non-profit workers generally make 85% of what someone in a comparable position at a for-profit would make. As an example, I have a grad degree from an ivy league school and have been in my profession for 10 years - and I make less than $55 K.

Not that I'm complaining. Working for a non-profit has ample, non-monetary rewards.

I was glad to see some support of art organizations. Social causes are really popular right now and your local art institution/cultural site/live arts group are feeling the pinch. And that type of support is always the first to be cut in government/foundation/corporate budgets. So, if you have a few spare dollars, consider investing in your arts organization locally.

Rush County Players has my vote too!

Medecins Sans Frontieres (doctors without borders)