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Give to the Needy, Not the
Greedy
A Giving Guide for Donating to Charities
Before you donate, remember…
Tips for Giving
- Do not give cash.
- Do not give out your credit card number.
- Write a check payable only to the charity.
Not to an individual collecting a donation.
- Do not be pressured into giving.
- Find out if a charity and its fund-raisers
are registered by contacting the office of the Oklahoma Secretary of
State.
- Do not give to a charity because you were
sent a “gift” or just to receive a “free prize.”
- Do not be fooled by names that sound
similar to a legitimate charity.
- Do not pay for something that you didn’t
order.
- Beware of organizations offering to send a
courier to pick up your donation.
- Take time to get as much information and
learn as much as you can about the organization before you decide to
make a contribution.
- Do not do business over the phone, ask for
information in the mail.
- Give directly to the charity of your
choice. This cuts out the middle man and ensures your money will go
where you intended.
- Check out the charity with impartial
sources.
- Beware of appeals that are long on emotion
but short on fact.
When
contacted to donate…
Ask Questions
- What is your full name?
- What is the phone number and address from
which you are calling?
- What is the full name of the charity you
are representing?
- What is the headquarters address?
- What is the phone number?
- Does the charity have a local office in my
area?
- How long has the charity been operating?
- What are its goals and purposes?
- How will my donation be used?
- Is my contribution tax deductible?
- How much of my donation will go directly to
the charity?
- What portion of it will actually be spent
on the purpose of the charity?
- How much of it will be used in Oklahoma?
- What percentage of my donation will go to
fundraising?
- Are you a volunteer for the charity or are
you paid to raise funds?
- If you are paid, how much?
- Will you send me printed literature about
the charity, its goals, program(s) and expenses, including a current
financial statement?
Remember
It’s Your Money.
Do your Homework.
Give Wisely.
Report suspicious charity solicitations to:
Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Unit
4545 N. Lincoln Blvd., Ste. 260
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 541-2029 (Oklahoma City)
(918) 581-2885 (Tulsa)
www.oag.state.ok.us |
