10 Charities Worth Knowing

Image Gallery You can easily make a difference by donating or volunteering to a worthy nonprofit organization. Find one whose work matches your values. ISTOCKPHOTO/FENG YU

No matter if you owed taxes this year or received a refund, it's never too early to start thinking about next April. And whether you want to have more deductions next year or just want to feel good about where your money goes, giving to charities is an easy and fulfilling way to make a difference. Charity Navigator provides a list of nonprofit groups from around the world. Many of us are familiar with outstanding groups such as Defenders of Wildlife, the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club and others. But here are several organizations that do great work yet perhaps fly under the radar. Whether you can afford a donation or not, the following nonprofits offer valuable information and resources.

American Rivers
If you want to help protect rivers and promote clean water, this is a great group to support. American Rivers works closely with local river protection groups to promote rivers as a valuable asset to any community. Its campaigns advocate for right-to-know legislation, explore new ways to provide reliable water sources to communities, assist in restoring natural water resources and establish trails to connect people to their local rivers. See if one of your local rivers in on the endangered list.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
AAFA is the leading patient organization for people with asthma or allergies. Its motto “life without limits” is reflected in the many things they do. AAFA is working toward labeling all certified non-allergy products including bedding, flooring and plush toys. Find the allergy forecast in your area, information on several types of asthma and the “Asthma Capitals” on their Web site.