They want to help. It doesn't hurt that their good works, within limits, can be written off on their tax return. But there are so many charities. They want their gifts to make a difference. Despite the gyrating stock market and the uncertain domestic outlook, Americans follow a traditional pattern as the end of the year nears - they give to their favorite charities.
Most charities are honest, well-run organizations.
Some are poorly managed and a few are outright frauds. Increasingly, Christians are looking for the seal of approval from ECFA-the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Formed nearly 20 years ago in an effort to encourage financial accountability and excellence among Christian nonprofit organizations, ECFA now has nearly 900 members. These charities submit to a rigorous review process each year. ECFA also randomly performs site visits on members to look behind the application forms.