BJT readers–who represent one of the highest-net-worth magazine audiences anywhere–clearly have the means to contribute to a better world. But what’s the best way to do that? It’s not always easy to determine which charities are most reputable and efficient and which will make the best use of your donations. As such, we’ve decided to spotlight one deserving organization per issue. All of the ones we’ll feature have received a four-star overall rating from Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org), which evaluates philanthropic institutions based on their finances, accountability and transparency.

The Children’s Aid Society (www.childrensaidsociety.org) has been helping families cope with poverty in New York City neighborhoods since 1853. Children’s Aid caring begins even before birth, through prenatal counseling and assistance, and continues through the high school years with college-prep and job-training programs.

The charity addresses all aspects of a child’s development, from health care and academics to sports and the arts. And because stable children live in stable families, the organization offers housing assistance and domestic-violence counseling. The first free school-lunch program, the first industrial school for poor children, the first daycare program for working mothers and the first visiting nurse service were all Children’s Aid initiatives.