If you’re considering a donation to a charity, it is important that you do some research before you give. Here are some tips to help you in making sure that your charitable contributions are actually put to good use.
Signs Of A Charity Scam
- Refuses to provide detailed information (identity, mission, costs, and even how the donation will be used).
- Won’t provide any proof that the contribution is tax deductible.
- Uses names that closely resemble that of other well-known, reputable organizations.
- Thank you for pledges that you don’t remember ever making before too.
- Uses high-pressure tactics such as trying to convince you to donate immediately (it is important that you are given time to think and research).
- Asks for donations in cash/ asks you to wire money the money immediately.
Charity Checklist
- Detailed information: As to be given a name, address, and telephone number.
- Location: Get the exact physical address of the organization and do some research.
- Make a Call: Search the name of the organization online and call the charity to confirm the request.
- Registration: Determine if the fundraiser must be registered in the state (Contact National Association of State Charity Officials).
Giving/ Donating
- Ask if the caller is a paid fundraiser.
- Keep a record of your donations.
- Make an annual donation plan: Helps to decide the type of causes to support and reputable charities to focus on.
- Visit this Internal Revenue Service (IRS) webpage to find out which organizations are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
- Know the difference between “tax exempt” and “tax deductible
- Never send cash donations.
- Never wire money to a charity you don’t know.
- Do not provide your credit or check card number, or even bank account number / any personal information before researching.
Report Charity Scams
- If you suspect a charity scam or if the fundraiser has violated Do Not Call rules, file a complaint.
If your research shows that the organization has continuously operated efficiently and proved to have a positive impact, it is good to consider some support for them.