Donating to charities can be a profoundly impactful and rewarding experience, but not all charities use donated funds responsibly. So here are three quick and easy tips to ensure your future contributions make a meaningful impact:
◆ Vet the charity: Quickly research the charities you plan to donate to. What is the charity’s BBB rating and community reputation? Does it have the necessary government registration with state authorities? If you plan to use the donation for a tax deduction, ensure the charity you’re considering qualifies; they usually need to be a 501(c)(3) organization.
◆ Ask questions: Ask the charity about its intended use of donations. How much of the funds collected are going to the intended recipients and how much does the charity or fundraising organization keep for itself?
◆ Watch for look-alikes: Impostors commonly mimic well-known charities. Carefully check URLs, logos and spelling, and educate yourself on the other telltale signs of an impostor scam.
Maximizing the impact of your charitable giving can be quick and easy. Guard against impostors. Ask questions. Do your research.
BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU GREAT WEST + PACIFIC (nonprofit)
800-460-0910 | info@thebbb.org | thebbb.org
Ad or company clarification: bbb.org
Report a scam: bbb.org/scamtracker
File a complaint: bbb.org/file-a-complaint
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