Charity

Nonprofits are struggling to stay afloat in these tough times. Kai Ryssdal visits the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club to see how the organization is coping with the economic downturn.

Does an organization dedicated to serving society have to be a nonprofit? Commentator Dan Pallotta says charities could likely do more by using the tools of capitalism.

If you're facing harder times but still want to give back, you may think the best way is through volunteering. But Holden Karnofsky, co-founder of a charity evaluation website, says your time would be better spent finding a nonprofit worthy of your money.

President-elect Obama plans to expand the federal faith-based initiative established by President Bush, but with a big change -- no more hiring on the basis of faith. John Dimsdale reports on how faith-based organizations are reacting.

Philanthropy consultant Lucy Bernholz tells Kai Ryssdal that the trend this year in giving is taking big ideas and making them small.

Charitable organizations depending on the generosity of others may find themselves with less handouts this year. With so many Americans struggling to make ends meet, there's less money to give. Organizations are preparing for the worst. Jaime Bedrin reports.

Since 9/11 the federal government has watched Muslim charities closely and made donating to them complicated and sometimes risky. But a new program may help change that. Caitlan Carroll reports.

If you're thinking about donating to charity this season, why not consider a gift card? Many causes offer this as an option on their Web sites. Mitchell Hartman provides a few good resources.

Philanthropic companies might seem a little needier this year as investments fall with the economy. But when times are bad, people who can will sometimes dig a little bit deeper. Joel Rose reports.