Just as in other investments, you should make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck when you give to charities. Here are some tips for making sure something or someone is really benefiting from your hard-earned dollars when you donate.

You'd think that someone who wants to donate a kidney would have hospitals and donation organizations lining up at their door. You'd think. But the reality is far more complicated. Turns out, as this articles explains, that voluntary donors of kidneys are kind of looked at askance by hospitals (they think such donors are looneytunes), ...

You can't deduct your donation to an educational institution if it's to a for-profit organization.

Terri Cullen has put away the fund-raising forms for cookies, popcorn and wrapping paper. Her son's school is taking the direct approach this year by asking parents to just cough up cash -- and Terri's all for it.

Young donors and volunteers are satisfying their philanthropic urges on the Internet. They're increasingly turning to blogs and social-networking sites to spread the word about -- and raise funds for -- their favorite causes.

A rising cohort of philanthropists are eschewing their richly endowed alma maters in favor of schools with meager resources. Turned off by massive endowments at the nation's top schools, they seek to make a greater impact at less-wealthy institutions.

How do you know that the charity you are donating to is being smart and effective with its money? For a long time, you didn't--it was just taken on faith that the non-profit was doing its job. But now there are many ways to check up on a charity's performance, as this article below notes.

Here are six fun ways to teach your children about the joy of giving in the holiday season.

If you want to make sure your charitable donations go the farthest, make sure to ask these questions before handing over your check.

A few good tips here for this or any year: Consider opening a donor-advised fund (not just for rich folks anymore), giving appreciate stock or mutual funds instead of cash (ditto) and bringing the family in on the conversation.