Happy Holidays

Thank you for being an informed giver throughout this past year and supporting the Charities Review Council’s mission to mobilize informed donors and accountable nonprofits for the greater good.

For your New Year’s resolution, you can become an even more informed giver! Join our Facebook page and recruit your friends. Sign up for our monthly e-newsletters and create a “My Smart Giver” page to invite more of your favorite charities to go through an Accountability Wizard review.

We hear from many smart givers by phone, letter, or email, and we are pleased to hear that you value the services we provide. Please continue to spread the word on our cause so we can continue to offer these resources. We also appreciate the generous financial support that helps us carry on this important work, and we encourage you to remember us in your year-end giving. You can donate online at www.smartgivers.org/contribute.html.

Thank you and Happy Holidays from the staff at the Charities Review Council.

Charities Meet Accountability Standards: Congratulations

Congratulations to the following charities that recently completed their Accountability Wizard reviews and have met the Council's Standards of Accountability.

United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties

Laura Baker School Association

Some charities see good news and bad in the economy

How will the economy affect charities and its ability to serve the needs of the community? Listen to the Minnesota Public Radio's interview with Rich Cowles, executive director of the Charities Review Council of Minnesota ... more

How to Choose Charities

Check out the video page of Star Tribune's Dollar Duo featuring SmartGivers.org on how to choose charities to donate to this year.

Good Neighbor Award

The Charities Review Council has been honored with WCCO 830AM's Good Neighbor Award. The Good Neighbor Award recognizes a respectful and trustworthy group or individual for its good deeds. The Charities Review Council will be recognized on air at 7:52 a.m., 12:40 p.m. and 5:50 p.m. on WCCO 830AM radio today.

Tune your radio to WCCO 830AM today!

Holiday Charitable Giving Guide

During these challenging economic times, it is more important than ever to give smart to charities. To give smart and make the most of your donations, check out the Charities Review Council's newly launched online Holiday Charitable Giving Guide with helpful tips and resources.