Check out this article from the Seattle Times.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2003855928_webevaluate02.html

It tells you what to look for when you’re looking to give to an nonprofit but more specifically examines various athlete’s charities.  My favorite line:  ”Is the athlete leveraging his celebrity for charity - or leveraging his charity for celebrity?”

It talks about what to look for on a 990 form, what questions you should ask and what red flags you should notice.  It’s a bit tedious but nonprofit records are made public for this very reason and if you can learn some basic things to look for, you can make a much more educated donation.