ARE YOUR DONATIONS ACTUALLY DOING GOOD?

Charities need our help now more than ever. Here's how to be sure your dollars are going where you intend:

* Check the organization's performance at www.bbb.org/us/charity (Better Business Bureau), www.guidestar.org, and www.charitywatch.org.

* Many charities have similar-sounding names -- don't assume the one soliciting you is the same one you have in mind.

* A charity that wants your money today will accept it tomorrow, so don't be pressured in to an on-the-spot gift. Research appeals marked "crisis" or "emergency" by checking the organization's finances, governance, and track record on their website.

* If the organization's mission is unclear, ask for their annual report.

* To determine if your gift is tax-deductible, go to www.irs.gov, Publication 78 for a directory of eligible organizations. Be sure to keep good records for tax time.

* Give directly at a charity's dedicated website rather than responding to online solicitations; they often link to third-party sites that keep a portion of your donation as a processing fee.
Source: Better Business Bureau


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