How to Make Contributions to Charities Count

Every day we are hit with ads to donate to this cause or that cause. Phone calls from fraternal and law enforcement agencies are looking for donations to help the officers' families. It's hard to know who is legitimate and who isn't. Even more, you want to know that your donation is going to do some good.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Phone solicitations can be overwhelming at Christmastime. The bad thing about donating to a charity over the phone is that you don't know if the person is collecting for a legitimate organization. Ask questions. Where does the money go? Who has access to it? Will you get a receipt? Will the money stay local, or will it be used elsewhere? Is the company rated by the Better Business Bureau? Ask for their federal ID number; if they are legitimate, they will be registered and will have no hesitation about answering any of your questions.
2. If you're leery of giving cash, give to charities that take actual material items. The Marine Corps sponsors the Annual Toys for Tots drive nationwide. Donate toys at the local drop-off areas, or call your local recruiter if you want to donate a substantial amount.
3. Call your local chamber of commerce. Find the food bank in your area. They will take canned goods and most nonperishable items. This is a good way to help the community where it's hit the hardest. Soup kitchens are also a good choice. Most are run by churches and other charitable organizations. Donate your time. Most people forget that this can also be used as a tax write-off. Food banks and soup kitchens are always looking for volunteers, especially around the holidays.
4. Always get a receipt; whether it's for time, material donations or cash, the donations add up. Charities are accountable for the assets they receive and must keep accurate records. They will be more than happy to oblige.
5. Don't give to just anybody. Make it count. Look into organizations that mean something to you. Children's hospitals, such as St. Jude or Riley's Children's Hospital, are godsends to the people they serve. If you or a family member have ever had to be in contact with them, you know how hard it is for the children and the parents. Donations are used to buy equipment, furnish rooms and help parents find housing for extended visits. American Red Cross, American Heart Association and countless other organizations that are on the up and up appreciate any donations they receive.
6. If you are contacted by mail or phone, and you don't get the answers that you like, tell them to call back in 1 week. If they ask why, tell them, "I would like to research your organization a little." If they don't like the idea, DON'T donate. If they agree, do some research. Call your local chamber of commerce and ask if they have heard of them. Call the Better Business Bureau. Look them up online. A little time spent researching can save you a lot of money.
7. Ask what percentage of your donation actually goes to the charity. Sometimes telemarketing companies are employed by charities to do phone solicitation. They can take up to 65 percent of the actual donation as payment for their services. If this proves to be the case, turn them down. If you still want to donate to that charity, call them up and ask where to send money directly.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your local police department if the solicitor harasses you or will just not give up.
• Do NOT give out any personal information.
• If you feel someone is trying to scam you or is trying to defraud you, turn them in to the police department.
• If they claim to be working for the police department, ask if they are an officer. If they say yes, and are not actually an officer, this is a felony. They can and will be prosecuted.