As you empty your closets and basement to donate household items to charity during the holidays, keep in mind that charities need goods, not junk. That may sound harsh. Certainly the impulse to give is admirable, whether it’s money or “stuff” that’s being given. But I often hear people who work for nonprofits that accept non-cash donations say that donors frequently blur the lines between goods and junk. Maybe it’s because things seem more valuable to us simply because they’ve been part of our lives. Or maybe we think we’ll just let the charity decide — if someone can use it, great; if not, they can pitch it. The trouble is that charities often spend precious resources in trash removal of unusable donated items — money that would otherwise be spent on programs and services. Another important reason to objectively assess the utility of used possessions: new tax law requires donated goods to be in good, usable condition in order to claim a tax deduction. So, be generous, judicious, and law-abiding! Thank you for using our information at www.smartgivers.org to make smartgiving choices. The hard working staff at the Charities Review Council wishes you a generous, safe and happy holiday.

Looking for an older article?

We're in the process of migrating our blog. If you're looking for an older entry, please visit the archive to search for it.

Would you like to be included on our list?

Learn about our Accountability Standards®, and explore how doing an Accountability Wizard® Review can help improve your operations, build public trust, and raise standards at your organization.

Learn More

Don’t see your favorite nonprofit on our list?

Invite them to participate!

Learn More

Search Nonprofits that Meet Standards®

You can search nonprofits that Meet Standards® based on both mission focus and organization name.

Search Now

Do you need to start a new review or renew an expiring review?

What is your fee?

Before filling out this form, please be sure to calculate your enrollment fee.

Calculate Fee Now

What does it take to Meet Standards®?

Meeting the Accountability Standards® is more than checking items off a list. Each nonprofit you see on this website has gone through careful assessment, and then invested in implementing changes to meet our high operational standards.

Learn More

Success Stories

Hear from organizations that are bringing our Standards to life in their nonprofits.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Toolkit

Want to use the DEI Toolkit with your organization?

Get Started Today

Already have a DEI Toolkit account?

Log In Here

Do You Have a Donor-Advised Fund?

What Nonprofits Say

Testimonial 2

Veritus mnesarchum mei ea, per debitis qualisque in. Per cu mutat consul. Sea meis interpretaris ne. Sit nonumy consequat theophrastus id. Mei at tota meliore elaboraret, at eam tollit detracto molestiae.

First Last

What Donors Say

Testimonial 3

Te vix numquam corrumpit. Mea audiam argumentum ad. Id aeque nullam vel, qui eu illud nonumes definitionem. No nulla choro sit. In aliquid accusamus pro.

First Last

Board Member Login

Get our latest and greatest monthly!

Subscribe

Charities Review Council

Our mission is building donor and nonprofit relationships for strong, vibrant and just communities. We envision healthy communities for all, benefiting from effective and trustworthy nonprofits that are supported by a well-informed public’s generosity.

Let’s Connect

1915 Highway 36 W Ste 133 • Roseville, Minnesota 55113-2709
Phone: (651) 224–7030 • E-mail: info@smartgivers.org

Privacy Policy (5/9/19) • Terms of Use (5/9/19)

MENU
Log In