Information / Education

The Season of Giving

  • December 2024
  • By Grandezza

This is the time of year when many people focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Some charitable organizations may spend as much as 95 percent of the money they collect through donations on their purpose or cause, while others spend more on administrative costs. Charity scammers often play on a donors’ sympathy and take advantage of their generosity. It is up to you, the donor, to determine if your contribution will be spent the way you intend.

If you are considering making a charitable donation, research the charity and make sure it is legitimate. All charities soliciting within the state of Florida (excluding religious, educational, political and governmental agencies) are required to register and file financial information with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

Keep the following tips in mind before agreeing to donate:

• Visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com and use the FDACS Check-A-Charity tool to verify registration and financial information.

• Be aware that many telephone appeals for funds are made by paid solicitors, not volunteers. The solicitors often work for a for- profit firm hired by the charitable organization. Telemarketing is expensive and may entail substantial fundraising costs.

• Ask for the license number of the charitable organization and any solicitor that contacts you on behalf of an organization.

• Ask how your contribution will be used.

• Ask for financial information, such as a copy of the organization’s IRS 990 income tax return, annual report, or a breakdown of how the money is spent.

• Never give cash. Contribute by check and make it out to the organization or use your credit card to make your donation.

• Always obtain and save a printed copy of your donation or a receipt showing the amount of the contribution.

• Visit http://www.give.org, the website of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, where you can access reports on nationally soliciting charities.

For more information on verifying a charitable organization’s registration, contact the FDACS toll-free consumer assistance hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or 1-800 FL-AYUDA (352-9832) for Spanish speakers.