There are many resources on the web and in your community that can help you identify and achieve your philanthropic objectives. Here are a few to get you started.
Guidestar: Searchable database of more than 850,000 not-for-profit organizations
Internal Revenue Service: Searchable database of all tax-exempt organizations
BBB Wise Giving Alliance: A merger of the National Charities Information Bureau and the Council of Better Business Bureaus' Foundation.
Charity Navigator: An independent charity evaluator.