You want to feel good about where your donation goes—and you should! We know how important it is to feel confident about where you are giving. One of our most frequently asked questions by would-be donors has always been, is United Way a good charity to give to? United Way of Greater Atlanta works closely alongside dozens of nonprofits across our region, so it’s natural that we answer absolutely yes! But we want you to feel confident about supporting the causes that matter to you most.
From checking their mission to reviewing their accreditation, here are five questions you can ask to determine whether United Way or any other organizations are good charities to donate to in 2026.
Giving 101: Identifying Good Charity Organizations
Here are a few simple questions you can ask yourself to ensure you make giving choices that align with your values and have the biggest impact.
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What is this group’s mission and impact?
You don’t have to respond to every heart-wrenching story, flashy ad, or door-to-door fundraiser that comes your way. Instead, when vetting good charities to donate to, take a moment to understand what the organization actually does.
- What is their guiding mission?
- Do they share results that show how they’re living that mission out?
- Do they have goals that show what your money will be used for?
You can often find this information on an organization’s About Us page and in their annual reports. If they’re clear about their purpose and transparent about impact, that’s a great sign.
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Is this the right organization?
Greater Atlanta is home to 40,000 nonprofits and counting, and many have very similar names. It’s entirely possible to donate to an organization you didn’t intend to support.
For example, United Way of Greater Atlanta ensures donations stay local in the 13-county metro area. United Way of Central Georgia focuses on communities around Macon — both do good work, but the impact differs.
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Is this charity transparent about operations, finances, and community impact?
A nonprofit’s website can tell you a lot. Ask:
- Who are its leaders and board members?
- Are leaders visible and active in the community?
- Are there recent success stories?
- Does the site include up-to-date financial documents (e.g., IRS Form 990)?
If key information is hard to find, that can be a red flag.
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Is the charity you’re considering accredited?
Not every group requesting donations is a recognized 501(c)(3). Organizations can lose accreditation if they fail to file paperwork or discontinue services.
Verify tax-exempt status on the IRS website, or check accountability resources such as BBB Wise Giving Alliance and GuideStar.
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How long has this charity been around?
Longevity isn’t everything, but it can indicate stability and experience. Reviewing an organization’s About Us or History page helps provide context.
Is United Way a good charity investment overall?
So, should you give to United Way? We’re proud to say that United Way of Greater Atlanta offers the transparency, accreditation, longevity, and clear mission you’d expect from good charities to donate to.
If the idea of vetting a nonprofit yourself feels overwhelming, we have a solution for that too. Our Child Well-Being Mission Fund supports dozens of programs supporting education, employment opportunities, economic mobility, housing initiatives, and health access across our region. For more than 100 years, we’ve worked alongside partners, studied community needs, and gathered the data that shows where investments can make the most difference.
When you give to United Way of Greater Atlanta, you’re actually supporting dozens of local, trusted partner charities that check every box on this charity evaluation checklist—and improve the outlook for kids, families, and the communities that surround them. Because at the end of the day, trusting a charity is about feeling confident that your dollars will go toward something meaningful.
If resources like this are helpful, sign up to stay connected with United Way of Greater Atlanta for more ways to support the causes you care about, and to see how together, generosity can make a big impact.