Here in Minnesota, we benefit from a strong and vibrant tradition of engaged and philanthropically minded citizens. According to the Minnesota Council on Foundation’s Giving in Minnesota, 2009 Edition, charitable giving in Minnesota has increased by 67 percent over the last decade, totaling over $4 billion from individuals last year. Findings from the Charities Review Council’s Public Trust Survey show that one important way to nurture and strengthen Minnesotans’ generosity is by helping donors feel confident in their giving decisions.

Many of us have experienced first-hand the convenience and opportunity for community-building offered by GiveMN’s first-of-its-kind online giving platform. We at the Charities Review Councilare pleased to partner with GiveMN to provide some additional tools to help generous Minnesotans learn more about charities they are interested in supporting.

First, you can check out our profile on GiveMN to see all the organizations that have participated in our Accountability Wizard review process. You can also find links to objective review reports for these charities directly from their profiles.

The review process is based on the Accountability Standards - basic expectations of donors in the areas of Public Disclosure, Governance, Financial Activity, and Fundraising. You can find out more about the benefits of the Accountability Wizard review process, as well as how a nonprofit can get started here. As always, our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

When you see the Meets Standards seal on charities’ GiveMN profiles, in their newsletters, websites and other communications, you know the organization has demonstrated a clear commitment to accountability.

We’ll also be providing timely information about giving as questions and trends arise. See our recent post, Tips for Giving in Response to the Earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. Together with GiveMN and many others, we’re working to improve the way Minnesotans experience giving. The result will be stronger relationships between donors and nonprofits, and a stronger Minnesota.

Please let us know if you have questions or suggestions for additional tools to help you be an informed donor.

Kelly Rowan is the Outreach & Resource Manager at the Charities Review Council of Minnesota. Reach Kelly at krowan@smartgivers.org, or (651)224-7030, ext. 12.