GIVE! But Before You Do: 3 Charitable Giving Tips
Posted by Team HFM on December 01, 2015
We hope these tips will make the giving season a little less stressful
Tip #1: Charity scams can be very convincing
- Always remove yourself from the immediate solicitation scenario to give yourself time to check it out.
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Don’t give out credit card or personal information in response to phone, e-mail or door-to-door fundraising.
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If you want to give online, locate the charity’s web site yourself rather than linking through an e-mail.
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Watch out for charity names that are “sound-alikes” to other well-established charities.
- Click here for more advice on what to look for and ways to protect yourself.
Tip #2: Your donation may or may not be tax deductible
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Check out the IRS' 6 Tips for Year End Gifts
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Use the IRS's online search tool for tax exempt organizations EO Select Check
Tip #3 Identify a giving budget
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Form an idea of your goals (local vs widespread, crisis-driven vs sustaining, one-time vs. ongoing, which causes) and establish your household budget for giving.
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Allow some portion for ad-hoc fundraising support solicitations from friends and family.