In 2002 to 2004, 47% of program expenses went to patient care and 41% to research.

Thus, many nonprofit groups include some of those costs among other program expenses, even if their letters are tossed out unopened.

Of these expenditures, 85.7% went toward program expenses.

A yes means the charity included the cost of a combination educational campaign and fund-raising activity in its program expenses.

Charities are allowed to list some solicitation costs as program expenses if they include educational material.

When making a charitable donation, look for organizations that spend at least 75% of their budgets on program expenses.

The cost of $1,395 a person covers all program expenses, including the hotel, all meals and activities but not air fare.

The remaining is associated with other program expenses.

Approximately 55% of expenses collected are used for direct program expenses.

In 2004, the group had a total revenue of over $1.9 million, and spent nearly $1.3 million on program expenses.