From holiday season giving to aiding in recovery efforts at home or overseas, consumers have several opportunities to donate to charity throughout the year. Whether donating your time, treasure or talent, Better Business Bureau reminds consumers to give wisely.
BBB Wise Giving Alliance
Standards for Charity Accountability were developed to assist donors in making sound giving decisions and to foster public confidence in charitable organizations.
The standards seek to encourage fair and honest solicitation practices, to promote ethical conduct by charitable organizations and to advance support of philanthropy.
Before you donate to a charity in 2012:
- Research the organization. Check with your BBB at www.give.org to get reports on how national charities measure up to BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. Confirm the organization is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) and verify the programs and distribution of money is where you want it to be. According to BBB’s Standards for Charity Accountability, at least 65 percent of total expenses should be spent on program activities and no more than 35 percent of contributions can be spent on fundraising.
- Be wary of imitations. Don't be fooled by names that look impressive or that closely resemble the name of a well-known organization.
- Avoid giving personal information over the phone. Since nonprofits are not required to use the “Do Not Call” list, you could receive a phone call asking for a donation. Avoid giving your personal information over the phone and go “off the call” to confirm the legitimacy of the organization before deciding to donate.
Avoid giving to charities that:
- Use high pressure solicitations: A legitimate charity will be glad to give you the time needed to fully research its program.
- Offer prizes: Most honest charities do not try to entice you to give by telling you that you have won a prize.
- Steer you away from mailing a donation. Dishonest individuals try and avoid doing anything through the U.S. mail to avoid federal prosecution under postal statutes.
