Continuing our series of tips from Charity Navigator:“Giving Tip #5 - Look for financially strong charities: Use Charity Navigator’s free charity ratings to learn about the financial health of charities that want your support.”

This past year has been a tough one for many Americans. With unemployment rates soaring and investments falling, everyone is feeling the pain. Non-profits have not escaped the turmoil. Every appeal during this past holiday giving season has emphasized that those in need are suffering the most and asking their donors to give as generously as they can. Some non-profits, providing very valuable services, have unfortunately gone out of business. Others have had to drastically cut back services in order to stay afloat and continue their critical work.

AtWork! survived the year in reasonable shape given the economy. Our most recent audit, just posted to our website, shows AtWork! finishing the year in the black. Although we experienced decreased funding from government sources and our donors were not able to be as generous as in the past, we were able to remain on the positive side of the ledger through careful management of the resources we had, a testament to the quality of our Leadership Team and Board Finance Committee’s over site.

We did experience a decrease in donations because our donors and supporters were just not able to give as generously as they would have liked. However they told their friends about the valuable work we do serving those with disabilities and as a result AtWork! experienced a 17% increase in the number of individuals who identified AtWork! as a good place to invest their charitable dollars. We were fortunate that businesses like Costco Wholesale, Langly Properties, Coinstar, Washington Federal Savings Bank and Columbia Bank chose to support AtWork!’s programs and services. Organizations such as the Scan Design Foundation, The Seattle Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Issaquah and the Employees Community Fund of The Boeing Company saw merit in an AtWork! as an investment. AtWork! is grateful to all of our donors and supporters who believe in the work we do, who care about and for people with disabilities and who give as generously as they can.