The nonprofits we feature in this toolkit are exemplars of how to create high impact, but they are just the beginning. Once you have chosen a cause area and impact goal, the information sources and organizations on the next few pages will help you find other nonprofits and conduct research on their leadership, programs, and impact potential. First, we feature a few newer resources that can help you measure nonprofits by a framework for reducing inequality. Next, we suggest databases and organizations for conducting due diligence, researching cause areas, and responding to disasters.  

It’s your right as a funder to conduct some due diligence before committing your funds to a particular nonprofit organization or response fund. If you want to comb through nonprofit’s 990s, find evidence of impact, and look for red flags, the following can help.  

• Candid (GuideStar and Foundation Center) – World’s largest source of information on nonprofits and foundations 
• Charity Navigator – Rates nonprofits on financial health, accountability, and transparency 
• GiveWell – Rates nonprofits based on empirical data, cost-effectiveness, and capacity for increased funding 
• Great Nonprofits – Community-sourced stories about nonprofits, written by donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries 
• Impact Genome Registry – Database that registers and verifies impact data from nonprofits, social enterprises, and government programs 
• The Life You Can Save – Nonprofits that aid the global poor vetted for record of effectiveness 
• Mutual Aid Hub – Lists mutual aid and community organizations in the U.S and Canada  outside of licensed organizations and create networks of volunteers and recipients  

Climate- and weather-related disasters and floods have been rising in both incidence and gravity. At the same time, communities face urgent man-made disasters including armed conflict, mass shootings, and refugee and migrant crises. Ensuring a more secure future requires considering all four stages of disaster response: initial response, recovery, risk mitigation, and preparedness. To learn more, refer to CHIP’s disaster response guidance  or visit the resources below.  

• Center for Disaster Philanthropy – Dedicated to helping donors make more intentional disaster-related giving decisions 
• Disaster Accountability Project – Nonprofit organization that provides long-term independent oversight of disaster management systems 
• The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System – Cooperation framework between the United Nations, the European Commission and disaster managers worldwide to improve alerts, information exchange, and coordination in the first phase after major sudden-onset disasters 
• International Federation of the Red Cross – World’s largest humanitarian network that acts before, during, and after disasters and health emergencies 
• International Medical Corps – Healthcare organization delivers services to those affected by conflict, disaster, and disease 
• MSF/Doctors Without Borders – International nonprofit often among the first on the scene to provide medical care
  
• United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – International coordinating body promoting disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies among members