A loooong time ago I had an allotment set in the military for UNICEF.
Then I found out that most charitable donations don't actually make it to the people you try to help.
Nearly all my donations after that went to local food banks and organizations that help children.
I still give to food banks and needy children services.
My advice:
Take a close look at the foundations you give to and see if the foundation is better off than the ones they are supposed to be helping.
If $0.20 of every dollar is all that goes to the cause - - There's something wrong with that picture.
If $0.80 of every dollar goes to the ones that are supposed to be getting help then you have a real charity foundation.
Great advice and great organizations to contribute to.
We give to the American Lung Association, BSA and take items to local thrift stores or Goodwill.