Following the Money Trail: Unmasking a Charity with OSINT

Following the Money Trail: Unmasking a Charity with OSINT

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) isn't just about quirky mysteries. It can be a powerful tool for investigating serious issues, like the financial transparency of charities. Here's an OSINT report template you can use to research a specific charity:

Target: [Charity Name]

Goal: Assess the financial transparency of [Charity Name].

Methodology:

• Websites:
  • Charity's Website: Review the "About Us" and "Financials" sections. Are their financial statements readily available? Do they provide clear breakdowns of income and expenditure?
  • Charity Navigator or GuideStar: These websites provide reviews and financial data on registered charities. What ratings do they give the target charity?
• Government Filings:
  • IRS Form 990: This form details a charity's finances in the US. Can you locate the latest 990 for the target charity? What insights does it offer? (https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/form-990-resources-and-tools)
• News Articles: Search for news articles mentioning the target charity. Have there been any controversies or questions about their finances?
• Social Media: Look for the charity's social media presence. How do they interact with donors? Do they address any questions about fundraising or spending?

Analysis:

• Based on the information gathered, how transparent is the target charity about its finances?
• Are there any discrepancies or areas requiring further investigation?

Disclaimer: This report is based on publicly available information and should not be considered a definitive analysis.

Additional Resources:

• (https://give.org/donor-landing-page/national-charity-reviews)

Remember: A charity's mission might be worthy, but responsible giving requires understanding how they use your donations. By using OSINT, you can empower yourself to make informed decisions about where to donate.