Before donating, consider some research

Before you donate your hard earned money to a charity, first do your own research to see if the organization meets your requirements.
1) look up the organization with the Better Business Burea (BBB).
2) be wary of ratios: how much money is spent on administration vs. the cause.
3) Look for results: seek evidence that the organization makes an impact.
4) Separate the cause from the charity: research various organizations within the cause you are passionate about.