A tax break that allows seniors to tap their IRAs for charitable gifts expires at year's end. But lawmakers are introducing a proposal that would extend the provision and let people make those gifts at a younger age.

Charitable giving is facing a crisis. Here are nine changes foundations and others can do to make a difference for the nonprofits and the people they are set to help.

Philanthropists are look at so-called public-private partnerships, a win-win situation where donors leverage their dollars and the government gets additional capital.

Shelly Banjo shares four smart strategies for charitable giving, even if your finances are strained.

Retirees are getting involved in philanthropic projects and have earned awards for their efforts.

What are the safest, most effective ways to donate leftover candy?

Would-be business founders are choosing social entrepreneurship to make money and have a positive impact.

Tom Herman answers a reader's question about being able to donate money from an IRA to a charitable organization next year.

Your contributions to charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status are tax-deductible. But before making donations, you should know how the organization will spend your money. You should also be able to keep track of what's happening with your money.

Taking the small precaution of checking the legitimacy of an organization before you donate would go a long way in making sure your contributions are getting through to the intended person, group or program. Here a few measures you can take pre-donation: