Many people are eager to donate to a cause, but do not know where to begin their search of a reputable organization. While there are scores of charities out there covering the gamut of causes, some better allocate donations, helping more people in the process.

The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) is a nonprofit charity watchdog organization that serves to help donors make more informed choices regarding charities. In addition to researching charitable organizations and reviewing the efficiency and accountability of their efforts, the AIP also serves to educate the public about the benefits of giving.

The AIP compiles a list of charitable organizations according to a stringent list of factors, namely that the organization spends 75 percent of its budget on programs essential to the charity of choice.

Below is a listing of just some of the charitable organizations that receive high marks from the AIP, broken down by category. For a complete list and further explanation of grading criteria, visit www.charitywatch.org

Animal Protection
American Humane Association A-
Bat Conservation International B+
Best Friends Animal Society A-
DELTA Rescue A
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International A
Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee A
Farm Sanctuary B+
Humane Farming Association A-
Jane Goodall Institute A-
Wildlife Conservation Society A

Cancer
Breast Cancer Fund A-
Breast Cancer Research Foundation A+
Cancer Care B+
Cancer Research Institute A
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center A
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation A+
National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund A
Prevent Cancer Foundation A-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital B+
Susan G. Komen for the Cure B+

Child Protection
American Humane Association A-
Child Find of America A+
Children's Defense Fund A
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation A-

Hunger
Action Against Hunger - USA A+
America's Second Harvest/Second Harvest A
Bread for the World Institute A-
Food Bank for New York City A-
Food for the Hungry B+
Freedom from Hunger A-
Global Hunger Project A