Choosing a Charity

As we head into the holiday season, you’ll likely see an uptick in outreach from charities and non-profits asking you to donate. But how can you be sure you’re not being scammed, and how can you make sure your donation is going to the right place?  We’ve prepared a few tips below to help you navigate this season’s charitable donations, so read on!

Do Your Research

While there are many great organizations doing excellent work for their communities, there are also bad actors who want to take advantage of the giving spirit. Make sure to do your research to confirm the charity is legitimate. You can visit the tax-exempt search tool on the IRS website or use confirmed charity rating sites like CharityNavigator.org to learn more.

 Additionally, be wary of any organization that asks you to donate in cash or with gift cards. Paying by check or with credit card is always a safer option. If you’re being asked to rush in a donation, it’s likely a scam.

Keep a Record of Your Donation

Make sure to keep track of your donations, such as taking a screenshot of your donation confirmation or saving any emails associated with your contribution, such as receipts. This will not only be helpful if you plan on deducting any charitable donations from your taxes (which receipts are required for), but it will also serve as a record if you are charged more than you intended to donate.

 Be sure to check your bank account or credit card statement afterward to make sure the correct amount was deducted. This is a great habit to have in general, and it’s just as important with donations as with a typical purchase. Just because you’re donating to a good cause doesn’t mean an honest mistake can’t be made from time to time!

Beware of Fees

Some charities will charge fees or put a percentage of your contribution toward overhead and administrative costs. While it’s certainly understandable that organizations need funds to operate, try to choose charities that minimize fees and administrative costs to ensure as much of your donation is going to a good cause as possible. You can ask the charity directly how much of your donation will go toward programs and services versus overhead costs.

Give Your Time

While money is a great way to support your favorite causes, donating your time can also make an important difference in your community and allow you to see your impact firsthand.

By volunteering, you can ensure your neighbors and community are directly benefiting from your efforts and getting the most out of your commitment to a good cause. Volunteering also allows you to support more causes than you might be able to purely through financial donations—and you don’t have to worry about fraud!

No matter what causes you choose to support, these tips will help you navigate choosing the charity and donations that are right for you. If you need additional guidance on how to approach your giving this holiday season, give us a call at 800.786.0945 or visit your local branch for support!