Most other sites tell you nothing at all. Not at all. Retailers typically don't pay commissions until a site generates a certain amount of business. Charitymall and 4Charity offer a specific list of choices. At iGive, you can choose any group you like.
Outside donors have no way of telling if the group truly does what it claims.
Not by shopping through a mall, says Charitymall. You haven't made a direct donation to the charity, so you can't write anything off on your tax return. I hope you don't feel that your duty to charity is met by a shopping spree. If you really want to help a cause, write the check yourself. St. NW, Washington, DC 20071.