Donors in the United States have two good ways to judge a charity. It is a real help to be able to assess the programmes and the financial soundness of groups. One is
The new one, probably even more useful as it puts grades on charities, is
In Canada, it’s difficult to access information about groups. The SPCA here in British Columbia is so secretive. Financial details about allocation of funds are difficult to come by. Unless more information was made available, they would not be permitted to solicit funds if they wanted to operate in the US.
In the US charities must submit their Form 990, which gives complete audited financial and programme details, to the government annually. It's mandatory- no choice at all if you want to keep your charitable status. You have to provide complete breakdowns of expenditures in all aspects (e.g. fundraising, salaries over $50 000 and who earns them, educational programme expenses, grants to overseas sanctuaries, administration, etc.) down to the smallest details.
Complete financial details are on the internet and are available to all. Guidestar has just about every charity listed, together with their Form 990s.
We at the International Primate Protection League are happy to have the public examine our books. Our biggest donation ever came after a very careful check of our work by the donor. The lady wasn’t even a member of our group and the donation appeared right out of the blue.
Why hide anything? Openness really encourages donors, as they can see exactly how their money is being spent.
It is really interesting to note that so many of the really big money groups are not in the top ranks according to the Charity Navigator’s criteria, which are carefully explained on their web site. Unfortunately they do not operate in Canada.
For interest, here are a few comparisons from the Charity Navigator website.
1. In the Primate Field
International Primate Protection League-- 4 stars-- 67.8
Jane Goodall Institute-- 3 stars-- 51.98
Gorilla Foundation -- 2 stars--45.6
Primarily Primates -- 0 stars -- 21.68
2. In the Animal Welfare field
PETA -- 1 star-- score-- 35.42
Alley Cat Allies -- 2 stars-- 46.98
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary -- 3 stars-- 57.76
Humane Society of the Unites States -- 1 star-- 35.94
International Fund for Animal Welfare -- 2 stars-- 42.55
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals --3 stars--52.50
Erie County SPCA -- 4 stars --65.42 (the top ranked SPCA in the US)
San Francisco SPCA-- 4 stars --65.26 (close second)
Monterey County SPCA --1 star--30.21
Note- The SPCAs in the Unites States are independent charities despite their similar names and are totally unrelated to the BC SPCA. Some are excellent and others are not.