Julia F - this is really not so. Yes, there are many ( way too many!) awfully run charities, but many are totally OK.
***********.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=48
check their methodology, look at ratings.
It is quite interesting.
For example, I always support NPR. I value their programming, and- I can see what they do locally. Our local NPR station expenses are about 35%. Rest goes to programming. And, as a perk, they send me tons of coupons to restaurants, so even contributions pay for themselves.

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Happy New Year to all! Virtual hugs!