Today is Giving Tuesday, the annual day of charitable giving that marks the beginning of the holiday season. We want to make sure that your generosity goes to a worthy, legitimate cause. Here is a way of checking if your charity is recognized by the IRS as a legitimate charitable deduction for your 2018 taxes.
Additionally, do your research as to how much of your donation will really go directly toward the cause that you chose to support. Not all charities are created equal and just because one claims to support a cause, doesn’t mean it actually does. Be extra cautious when making donations online through fundraisers such as GoFundMe or Facebook. You can vet charities through the Better Business Bureau, Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch or Guidestar.
If you get solicited over the phone, ask the caller to tell you how much of every dollar goes to the cause. I find a lot of them hang up at that point. Several telemarketers that call on behalf of police and fire departments are actually scams or the police and fire department get 10 cents of every dollar. Ask them for their website and say that you will check it out and donate directly from the website.
It’s great to be charitable, we should all be more generous, but make sure that you are actually making a difference with a little research. Don’t let the scum bags profit off your generous spirit. Give to a cause you personally love and give in a way that ensures your intent is going to become a reality.
https://www.charitywatch.org/home
https://www.charitynavigator.org/
https://www.give.org/
