Vox

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‘Tis The Season – For Giving

Posted on | November 24, 2012 | No Comments

Americans can be the most generous, kind-hearted people on earth. This is especially evident during the Holiday season, when families, already struggling with their own needs, will sacrifice just a little more to share some joy with those less fortunate.
Holiday Charity
Americans can also be the most easily bilked, because we believe, often naively, the best in people. Surely a charity claiming to help the families of fallen soldiers couldn’t be a scam, could it? No one would promise to give Christmas stockings to homeless children just to line their own pockets, would they?

Unfortunately, too often, the answer is yes – there are evil people out there who have no qualms about doing just that.

I’m not suggesting you give up on giving all together – just that you should be careful that your charitable contributions are going where they will do the most good. There are a few obvious warning signs; a pitch that is just a bit too high pressure or urgent, for example. Legitimate charities will still be there in a week or two, you have time for some due diligence.

An easy layer of protection is never give to someone who cold calls you soliciting donations. You may feel pressured or guilty about the cause for which they are advocating, but if you weren’t inclined to give to that organization before the phone rang, you don’t need to whip out your checkbook right this minute. Should you be moved to contribute, ask for their information so you can get back to them – after you can do some investigating, and when you are under no pressure. If they are a legitimate organization, they will likely understand … and they will have no problem giving you a call-back number, offering to send out literature for you to read, or directing you to their website. If you then decide to open you heart AND your wallet, you can do so at your convenience.

Easier still; decide right now what causes speaks to your heart, decide how much you have to give, and find organizations that you trust to share with. That way, you will know you’ve helped where you want to help, and you will be able to confidently tell anyone who calls, “I’ve given my limit”

Better Business Bureau charity trackingThe Better Business Bureau is just one organization working to navigate the crowded charity world, providing information that can help you give wisely. You can see their ratings for most charities through their Give.Org site.

You can also check with whichever office registers the charities in your state, most often the attorney general. The National Association of State Charity Officials has assembled a list of U.S. Charity Offices, so you can know who to contact in your state.

Don’t let the bastards get you down – but don’t let them get your money, either.

UPDATE (2013): Google now displays important information, along with search results, for charitable organizations.

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