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Solano Magazine /  Finance /  Charitable Giving /  Protecting Yourself When You Give

Protecting Yourself When You Give

Whether you learn about charity from a friend or receive a solicitation, inform yourself before giving. Give only when you feel comfortable that your dollars will be used wisely.

⇒ Consult reports from charity watchdogs. The Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (www.give.org) reports on nationally soliciting charitable organizations that are the subject of donor inquiries. These reports include an evaluation of the subject charity in relation to the 23 provisions of the voluntary CBBB Standards for Charitable Solicitations. Other organizations, such as American Institute for Philanthropy, make financial evaluations about charities. Use these resources in addition to your own criteria to determine whether you wish to donate.

⇒Don't give your credit card number over the phone if you don't know the solicitor. If you are interested in the cause, ask for information in writing. A responsible charity will be happy to answer questions and will mail you details. Ask for:
• The name of the charity, address, and telephone number;
• The caller's name and company and whether he or she is a volunteer or paid professional fundraiser;
• What the charity's overall fundraising costs and administrative expenses are, and how much goes toward program expenses; and
• Written information on the operations, finances, and outcomes of the charity's programs.

⇒Verify with the charity. Call the charity directly to be sure it is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name.

⇒Refuse high-pressure tactics. Responsible charities don't pressure you to make a decision on the spot or send a messenger to pick up your donation. Do not respond to callers who try to intimidate you or make you feel guilty if you don't give.

⇒Beware of sound-alike names. Some phony fundraisers use names that sound like respected, legitimate charities.

⇒Focus on results, not on fundraising ratios. The way charities raise money and carry out their programs varies widely, depending on the type of cause, the region, the age of the charity, the popularity of the cause and other factors. Choosing a charity is a decision only you can make for yourself.

⇒ You have the right to say no. Give generously when you can, but if you feel uncomfortable-say no.

Excerpted from www.independentsector.org.