With more than half a million federally recognized charities soliciting contributions, chances are you'll be asked to donate. Here are some tips to help you give wisely:

	Ask for written information. A legitimate charity will give you information outlining its mission, how your donation will be distributed, and proof that your contribution is tax deductible.
	Ask for identification. Many states require paid fund-raisers to identify themselves as such and to name the charity for which they’re soliciting.
	Watch out for similar sounding names. Some phony charities use names that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations.
	Call the charity. Find out if the organization is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name. If not, you may be dealing with a sham solicitor.
	Be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge you don’t remember making. Check your records if you have doubts about a pledge you supposedly made.
	Refuse high pressure appeals. Legitimate charities won’t push you to give on the spot.
	Be cautious of charities that offer to send a courier for your donation.
	Consider the costs. When buying merchandise or receiving free goods for giving, remember that these items are paid for out of your contribution. That means less of your donation may go to the charity.
	Be wary of guaranteed sweepstakes winnings in exchange for your contribution. You never have to donate to be eligible to win.
	Don’t send cash. For security and tax record purposes, pay by check. Write the official name of the charity on your check.

Resources

For more information about giving wisely and your favorite charity, check out these web sites:

BBB Wise Giving Alliance
Council of Better Business Bureaus
4200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
(703) 276-0100

Charity Navigator
1200 MacArthur Boulevard
Second Floor
Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
(201) 818-1288
(201) 818-4694 fax

Charitable Choices

(888) 410-1999 (toll free)

 

Guidestar
The Donor's Guide to the Nonprofit Universe

American Institute of Philanthropy
3450 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 2802
PO Box 578460
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 529-2300

VolunteerMatch

 

Your local charity registration office

• Consumer Alert! Public Safety Fund Raising Appeals: Make Your Donations Count
• Facts for Consumers: Charitable Donations: Give or Take?
• Facts for Business: Donating to Public Safety Fundraisers
• Facts for Non-Profits: Raising Funds? What to Know About Hiring a Professional

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