Check holiday charities before donating

Those considering opening their hearts and wallets during this holiday season are advised to do a background check before donating to charities.

"Consumers can find out if a charity is following state law by checking on its registration status," said Charles Bronson, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner. "But beyond that, they can also find out if the charity they are considering supporting is spending the donations in a prudent manner. If an organization spends a small percentage on services, consumers may want to think twice about donating."

Nell Hays, crime prevention specialist with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, said a large majority of donations may end up going toward administrative costs.

For instance, if a person contributed $100, only $25 of that donation may go to the actual charity, according to Hays.

"(You should ask the question), 'How much of my money actually goes to charity,' because the administrative fees are astronomical," she said.

Hays advises Highlands County residents to donate to local charities listed in the phone book if they choose to give.

Florida law requires most charities soliciting within the state to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services each year and provide financial information about income and expenses, according to a press release. Religious, educational and government-based charities are exempt.

Registered charities are also required to disclose how much they raised the previous year, how much is spent on administrative costs, including salaries and rent, how much goes toward fundraising and the amount that is actually spent on the charitable purpose, the release stated.

Then there are those who may try to swindle good-hearted folks out of money by claiming to be from a nationally known charity, but tweak the name ever so slightly.

Hays said people have a million things on their mind during the holidays and may not think twice about donating to the American Cancer Association, when its proper name is actually the American Cancer Society.

People should also never give a credit card number over the phone unless they initiate the call to a charity.

"The thing that you want to remember is just the basic personal safety techniques," Hays said.

KEEP IN MIND

Bronson also provided additional tips people should consider before donating:

• Don't judge an organization based on an impressive-sounding name. Find out what it actually does.

• Be wary of emotional appeals and organizations that have only vague plans for spending the funds they collect.

• Never give cash. Write a check payable only to an organization, not to an individual.

• Be wary of organizations that offer to send a "runner" to pick up your donation. Reputable charities are willing to wait for your contribution.

• Ask for an organization's financial report and its federal tax identification number, the latter of which you will need to claim your contribution as a tax deduction.

• Ask the organization to send you written information about its activities.

• If an organization is not registered or properly exempt, contact authorities.