Charitablenon-profits are dependent upon the contributions of individuals, businesseslarge and small, and national/international corporations to meet their missionendeavors and projects. Manysolicit last minute year-end gifts and contributions. But who can you trust to do what they say they are going todo?
Here are some important tips concerning charitable giving:
1. How much is contributed annually to charities and whogives the money? There are nearly one million tax exempt non-profit charities. More than 300 billiondollars was given last year in the United States to charities; 6%from corporations and 94% by individuals. Half of those contributions were to religiousorganizations – churches, etc.
2. Whatare some general tips you would suggest about charitable giving? Do not give cash -- write a check to the charity’sfull official name; neverto the individual collecting the donation. Secure and keep receipts,canceled checks, etc. -- IRS requires donations of $250 or moreto be substantiated with a written receipt.
3. Whatshould a company or individual do before giving to a national orinternational charity? Don’t be pressured to make an immediate gift . . . askfor information onits programs and finances. "Investigate before your donate”. Checkout the organization with the “BBB Wise Giving Alliance” at www.give.org,or the Better Business Bureau -- (409) 835-5348 (855) BBB-SETX or onlineat www.bbb.org.
