While 4th of July weekend is full of sun, fun, family and friends, it's also a time for reflection on the freedoms we enjoy. And if knowledge is power, it's not a stretch to say that it's easier to decide what kind of good to do in the world (and how) when we have all the facts at our fingertips. So when a group of eight friends -- all financial pros -- found themselves wading through an array of non-profit orgs in 2006, trying to figure out which ones would use their gifts most wisely, a detail-oriented idea was born. 

That idea: GiveWell, an entity that studies outstanding giving opportunities and publishes its findings to help donors decide where to give and why. Unlike similar groups that only look at financial statements and donation usage per dollar, GiveWell takes a comprehensive look into the impact of each charity it considers.  In addition to financials, it conducts in-depth research to find out how many lives are saved or helped and how much good is really being done in the world.  

Take a gander at GiveWell's top 3 recommendations for giving: the latest list focuses on treating tropical diseases in Africa, providing mosquito nets to regions in need of malaria prevention, and financially assisting individual households in developing nations.  A longer list of groups deemed worthy of mention is also provided, helping your dollars truly make a difference.

The opportunity to make as much of an impact as possible by exercising the right to choose wisely? To that, we say: let freedom ring.