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- iHaveNet.com: Personal Finance
Do Some Research Before You Donate to Charity
by Kathy Kristof
It's hard to turn down charities at times. But for giving to be truly effective, it should be well thought out overall and not done on impulse.
Consumers get pitched by numerous charities that hope the spirit of giving will pry open hearts and pocketbooks. The appeals often have a sense of urgency as many charities struggle this year with increasing needs and declining donations because of the economic malaise.
It's hard to turn down charities at times. But for giving to be truly effective, it should be well thought out overall and not done on impulse.
"Most people give because they're asked," said
"That's not an effective way to finance causes that you care about."
What should you do?
Beware of telemarketers
The person on the other end of the line says she's with the "Fraternal Order of Police" or the "
But before you pledge, get some information.
The first thing you need to know is whether the person on the line works for the charity group or for a professional fundraising company. The latter is more likely and more ominous. It means that a good portion of your donation -- as much as 99 percent of it -- is going to be paid to the fundraiser rather than the charity. If the person on the line is reluctant to tell you, or says that all your money goes to the charity, ask how you can see the group's 990 form before you give.
This form is a charity's financial statement. It must be filed annually with the
Verify
If the fundraiser doesn't want to send its 990 form -- or you did get it and suspect it's an edited version -- go to your trusty computer and check out the charity at the CharityNavigator.org watchdog group.
If you're thinking of giving to a group that runs national advertisements, such as Smile Train or Feed the Children, you should check out the organization with the
AIP's website, CharityWatch.org, shows that Feed the Children has been involved in numerous controversies, for example, and Smile Train's advertising claims have been questioned.
Give more to fewer groups
To have a bigger effect, it's wise to give more money to fewer causes, experts contend. That's because a portion of every donation is spent on the cost of fundraising, thanking you for your donation, keeping donor records and providing receipts. That paperwork cost can eat up a significant portion of a
If it's the cause -- not the mailing labels -- that's dear to you, resist the urge to give a token amount to a charity that you don't support enthusiastically. Then give the charities you really care about as much as you can afford.
Donate time
If you can't give as much cash as you'd like, consider donating your time. Local shelters, food pantries and thrift stores often need reliable volunteers to staff kitchens and retail locations. Your time saves them money and is the equivalent of a valuable donation.
Donate items
Many groups, including Goodwill and
You can get a tax deduction for the market value of these donated items. Be sure to keep records of what you donated in case you're audited.
Charge it
If you're temporarily short of cash but want to donate this year to get a tax deduction, know that the
So you can charge a donation Dec. 31, get the tax deduction for it and pay the bill in January. Just be sure to be as responsible with the amount you're giving to charity as you should be with your personal expenditures. Don't go into long-term debt to make donations.
Article: © Tribune Media Services
Personal Finance: "Do Some Research Before You Donate to Charity"