 Before you open your
checkbook, follow these simple guidelines for making a charitable
contribution with confidence that the money will be allocated
appropriately towards your desired cause.
1.
Verify that they are a legitimate nonprofit organization and that your
donation will be tax deductible. This information is best
obtained in a written format that you can save.
2.
Avoid pop-up charities. Charities that appear virtually
overnight to help disasters are generally scams. Other scams to watch
out for are charity names that are similar to a large entity you may be
familiar with or that solicit cash or try to rush your donation.
3. Trust your
instincts. If it feels off, it probably is. You can also check
with state registries of nonprofits or with private organizations that
provide information about nonprofits. |
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