Guide to Effective Almsgiving

This looks really helpful - Rich Leonardi links to a guide to effective almsgiving:

Pope Benedict has asked us to focus on almsgiving this year, so at the Leonardi home we've been looking at a handful of groups to whom we will send additional financial support. In the nineties, the Acton Institute released a "Guide to Effective Compassion," a list of charities that did excellent work without lobbying the government for funds or favors...I would love to learn about groups in the greater Cincinnati area (and beyond) doing the Lord's work without feeling compelled to collaborate with Caesar. The Little Sisters of the Poor come to mind.

Here is a link to Acton's guide. Released in 1998, it is more or less updated annually by adding recipients of its Samaritan Award. Award-winners are then grouped by region.

The Acton Guide begins:

"There is not a problem in America that isn't being solved somewhere by someone."

Many have uttered these words, but to date little information is available on where those solutions are and who the people are behind them. Here for the first time, is a resource for those who want to find America's hope for solving long-vexing social problems. Contained in these pages are those who transform the lives of the addicted; who give skills to those without jobs; who provide training for life; who prevent teenage pregnancy; and above all who show that the future can be better than the past. This is far from a definitive guide, but it is crucial - a vital - beginning step in changing the course of giving in America.