Marcie - Unfotunately, the domain name ending of .org is not a guarantee of the non-profit status or even the real identity of the entity. There is no screening done by the registrar companies which grant domain names. As is stated on the website of the Public Interest Registry (PIR), which manages the .ORG top-level domain name and maintains the database of all .ORG Internet addresses, the domain is open and unrestricted.

"4. Can I register a .ORG domain name?
Yes. .ORG always has been -- and will continue to be -- an open and unrestricted domain. Anyone is allowed to register and use .ORG domain names.

.ORG is the home for millions of nonprofit Web sites, including charitable, artistic, scientific, personal, educational, social, cultural and religious sites.

.ORG sites are run by clubs, incorporated and unincorporated not-for-profit organizations, industry associations, families, individuals, schools, foundations, and more. Even for-profit companies have .ORG sites devoted to their noncommercial activities, such as charitable or volunteer programs.

Many noncommercial organizations conduct commerce to support their activities. Examples include clubs that raise funds, hospitals, noncommercial Web sites that run advertising to support their operations, etc."

Because it is an open registration system, companies which are totally scams can use the .org ending, just as mail-order diploma factories can use .edu domain names.

It appears that the safest route for our donations is to use well-known and established charities, such as HSUS, or others for which someone we trust can vouch.

Cheers, Fred