Charitable Organizations
Giving money and time makes the heart feel good, but there are some who take advantage. There are many great charities out there that do a lot of good with a little money, but some are mismanaged and some are just scams. Everyone who can give should do so, even if it is just a few dollars. No single person can save the world, of course, but each can contribute a little to a common cause and that is what makes the difference. Before giving large or small amounts to any charitable organizations, it is important to find out what they do with the money and if they have a good reputation.
Some charitable organizations will solicit money over the phone. There are many legitimate ones that do this, but there are some scams out there. Unless you are 100% sure you know the charity and it is the real charity calling you, don’t give up any information over the phone. Instead, ask them to send you information in the mail, and tell them you will donate that way. Some call claiming to be a well-known and reputable charitable organizations to get you to give up financial information over the phone. If they will not mail you anything and press you for money, hang up. Any real charitable organization will send you something and give you time to think about what you want to give, if you want to give anything at all.
When approached by any charitable organization, you have to be smart, especially if you have never heard of them. Do some research online. Something as simple as putting their name into a search engine can give you all the information you need. If someone has had problems with them in the past, or if it is a scam, the information should pop up in a search. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints. Many new charitable organizations pop up when there is a national or regional disaster, and some of them are not real. Don’t give your hard earned money to a scam operation.
Also remember to find out how charitable organizations divvy up their money. Some will give almost all of what you give to the cause, and some have outrageous administrative costs. You may find only a small percentage of your donation will go to the people or the cause that needs it. This is good information to have. Though all charitable organizations need money for overhead and to get more money, a large percentage of your donation should not be going to those costs. Most of the money should be used as intended.