A little risk assessment goes a long way when donating to recently established charities. But with a little forethought, donating can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved. Before you get out your checkbook this year, find a charity whose mission is aligned with your giving goals and then research to see if their programs and services make sense. Charity Navigator Vice President Sandra Miniutti says new charities are not rated by charitynavigator.org until they have existed for at least four years, but you can still get a feel for a charity’s work by reviewing how much it spends on its CEO and mission versus fundraising and overhead.

In addition, “Donors shouldn’t hesitate to call the charity to seek answers to questions about the charity’s financial health, its commitment to being accountable and transparent, and its programmatic accomplishments,” she said.

Here are 10 newer charities that have passed the risk assessment test:

charity: water

A lack of safe water and sanitation claims millions of lives and economic prosperity from developing countries each year. charity:water is working to reduce the billions of hours people – the grand majority being women and children – in developing countries spend walking every year in search of water. By bringing clean water projects closer to home, the organization says instances of disease, sexual assault and harassment and other detrimental issues that women and children face as a result of the journey can be reduced.

Hope For the Warriors

This nonprofit was founded by a group of military wives who sought to ease the effects of war on military members and their families. Hope For the Warriors has established a number of programs that assist with education costs, immediate needs, recreational and transitional housing. The org’s Warrior’s Wish program grants the wishes of wounded military members who are recovering from trauma.

National Math and Science Initiative

The National Math and Science Initiative was created through a public-private partnership to divert the declining number of students with math and science career goals. The organization’s website poses concerns over America’s position in the global economy due to decreasing American test scores in these subjects. The org aims to close this gap by providing ideas, inspiration and resources to educational systems and teachers of grades K-12 in math and science fields.

WildAid

Illegal wildlife trade acquires billions of dollars every year due to the high demand for wildlife products and low enforcement of wildlife protection laws. The focus of WildAid is to reduce the demand for these products through high-impact multimedia campaigns that educate consumers on culturally sensitive topics. WildAid also works directly with locals and fringe villages to reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Save Darfur Coalition

The Save Darfur Coalition is advocating for the end of violence against the Darfuri people of Sudan through committed programs that spread awareness and resources. Humanitarian aid, educational programs, peace missions and economic and environmental development are on the front burners of the mission. Ultimately, the goal is to foster peace in Darfur and surrounding regions and help millions of people, displaced by raging civil wars and the brutal Sudanese militia, return home safely.

All Hands Volunteers

“Maximum impact and minimum bureaucracy” is the motto employed by, All Hands Volunteers, a nonprofit that provides global hands-on help to survivors of natural disasters. Volunteers with the organization work to provide free housing, meals, tools, organized work and effective response services to communities in need.

American Lung Association for the Upper Midwest

Lung disease is the No. 3 killer and second-most prominent form of cancer in the U.S. The American Lung Association is striving to reduce lung cancer instances by educating the public on the effects of tobacco and poor air quality. The organization has projects that address childhood asthma, lung disease, secondhand smoke, smoking, air pollution and flu prevention. All of the projects follow an education, advocacy and research model.

American Foundation for Children with AIDS

The AFCA helps HIV+ women and children in sub-Saharan Africa with medical expenses and treatment. The organization provides AIDS- related medications, nutritional support, medical equipment, medical supplies and transportation to remote areas. The American Foundation for Children with AIDS also works to provide professional skills training to local doctors, midwives and chiefs so that they may be better equipped to assess and address HIV and AIDS-related complications.

Blood:Water Mission

Clean water and HIV prevention and testing are on the agenda for Blood:Water mission, which works exclusively in Africa. The grassroots mission provides HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs that are professionally and community led. The organization believes members of a community must play pivotal roles in their own social progressions. Education and community outreach are key aspects in their work.

Children’s Cancer Fund of America

It is reported that childhood cancer is responsible for killing more children and teenagers every year than any other disease. The Children’s Cancer Fund of America provides financial assistance to children afflicted with cancer and their families. The charitable organization also offers educational materials that are geared toward cancer prevention.

-Li St. Michael

More Charities from HalogenTV.com:

1. 4 Tips to Choosing The Right Charity for You
2. Charity Navigator 2.0: Which Nonprofits Are Getting the Jobs Done?
3. 10 Local Charities Worth Watching