All of us here at the Charities Review Council are so appreciative of the many ways you are making our world a better place. Thanks to your conscientious giving decisions and generosity, together we are building trust in the accountable nonprofits that improve our communities.

In the aftermath of the recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, the hardships many are facing are at the forefront of our minds. Helping those in need in these times is more important than ever. And it is especially important to give wisely - to organizations that demonstrate how they are using your contributions accountably.

The Charities Review Council helps ensure that donors put scarce dollars to work with efficient and effective nonprofits. To achieve its mission, the Council creates and applies standards to encourage accountability in the nonprofit sector. These Accountability Standards have evolved over time to reflect the changing nonprofit environment, and to meet the current needs of donors. The standards set minimum thresholds for disclosure, governance, financial activity and fundraising.

It is thanks to the involvement of people like you that, together, we play a unique and needed role in Minnesota’s philanthropic sector. Even as we see the needs for services growing by the day, we are also invigorated to increase and improve the ways we can help both donors and nonprofits make the best possible contributions to our broader community. We need your help to do this.

We know that thoughtful donors like you want to give in the most effective way possible. When you receive an appeal for a donation in the mail, via email, or over the telephone, you can always contact the Charities Review Council to learn if the organization has earned the Meets Standards Seal. You can also search the Giving Guide online at www.SmartGivers.org for information on over 400 nonprofits that have undergone a review.

Thank you for helping to improve our vibrant philanthropic sector by being an informed giver. Please see the examples in the sidebar of how your support of the Council can improve our communities.