Not long ago, I was getting ready to pledge a little money to a local public radio station. I’m a public radio junkie and I like to support them in addition to UNICEF. That same week, I had been writing about the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, and I decided to look up the rating for the public radio affiliate. Only 3 stars! Now, 3 stars is a very solid rating and I continue to be a hugely loyal fan of the station. But they, like so many organizations, end up spending a fair chunk of change on fundraising, which eats into money that might otherwise go towards programs.

Just about 90% of all money we raise goes directly to programs that help children. That means we spend only a tiny fraction on administrative and fundraising expenses. And it’s a big part of the reason we consistently get Charity Navigator’s highest rating (those 4 stars). In fact, we just got word that

It’s the New Year, so what are you waiting for? Spring is just around the corner, and it’s a great time to stock up on American Airlines AAdvantage

Nearly everyone I know owns IKEA furniture. I’ve had mine for five years! It was the perfect purchase for me: beautiful, good quality and affordable.

So it makes me proud to see that IKEA has supported UNICEF since 1988 though grants, greeting card sales, in-kind product donations and cause-marketing programs.

One of IKEA’s programs that benefits the world’s children is going on in IKEA stores

Gucci. Ladies, need I say more?

For each purchase from Gucci’s new white TATTOO HEART COLLECTION from November 19 through January 31, Gucci will donate 25 percent of retail sales to support UNICEF programs for orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Malawi and Mozambique. How cool is that?

Gucci’s Creative Director, Frida Giannini, has designed a special version of Gucci’s new TATTOO HEART gift and accessories collection. Items to benefit UNICEF are distinguishable by their solid white background and feature a stylized, illustrated heart tattoo decorated with Gucci’s most iconic symbols

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The U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s 2008 Annual Report (PDF, 2.76 MB), released earlier this month, affords supporters an intimate look at UNICEF’s lifesaving work