11. Additional Resources for Charities and Donors

Federal Trade Commission
Federal Trade Commission tips for avoiding charity scams and information about specific types of charity fraud.

Internal Revenue Service
Federal tax information for charities and other nonprofits. How to maintain your tax-exempt status, how to determine if a charity is tax-exempt, etc.

Foundation Center
Excellent source of data on private foundations and public charities, including images of Forms 990 filed with the IRS (look for the “990 Finder”).

GuideStar
Good source of nonprofit data, including images of Forms 990 filed with the IRS.

Ministry Watch
MinistryWatch.com is the online database component of Wall Watchers that profiles and reports on faith-based charities.

Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
ECFA is an accreditation agency dedicated to helping Christian ministries earn the public’s trust through adherence to Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship.

Association of Fundraising Professionals, Code of Ethical Principles and Standards
Fosters the development and growth of fundraising professionals and the profession, promotes high ethical behavior in the fundraising profession and works to preserve and enhance philanthropy and volunteerism.

National Council of Nonprofits
A network of State Nonprofit Associations and 25,000-plus members.

Board Source
BoardSource is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides tools and training for building exceptional nonprofit boards.

Community Resource Center
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides training, technical assistance and consultation to nonprofits and community-based organizations.

Council on Foundations
A national nonprofit association of grantmaking foundations and corporations and a leading advocate for philanthropy.

Colorado Association of Funders
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advancing philanthropy in Colorado. Consists of a network of private foundations, community foundations, family foundations, corporate funders, federated funds and workplace giving programs.

Metro Volunteers
A leading source in Denver for volunteer engagement, volunteer leadership training and volunteer advocacy.

Urban Institute, Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy
Conducts and disseminates research on the role and impact of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy. Includes the National Center for Charitable Statistics.

"A Guide for Colorado Nonprofit Organizations," First Ed. (Karen E. Leaffer ed., CLE in Colo., Inc. Supp. 2011).
A comprehensive practitioners guide for attorneys advising and representing nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations.

Colorado Nonprofit Development Center
A 501(c)(3) organization offering emerging, transitioning, and established organizations comprehensive fiscal sponsorship expertise and financial management services.

Multi-State Filer Project
A great source for information about charity filing requirements in the other states and the Unified Registration Statement.

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