How to Find Reputable Charitable Institutions

Donating time, money, or goods to charity is a very rewarding experience. Unfortunately, there are many fake charity organizations that exist simply to scam people out of their money. On the other hand, with a little research you can find a charitable group that is legitimate.

Decide what type of charity you want to support. Charities cater to a wide range of needs and issues. You can choose from any number of these including those that work with homeless animals or those that help the environment. When finding an organization that you wish to donate to, one of the first things you can do is search online directories such as Canada 411 for a list of these groups. You can also find out what kinds of donations are preferred. Some charities do prefer a monetary donation, while others may be looking for in-kind donations of services or labor.

Various charity directories can also help you find a reputable charity. In addition, there is an IRS online directory . This directory is pertinent if you are planning to take a tax deduction for your donation. You can determine if your chosen charity is registered with the IRS, thus allowing you to claim a tax deduction.

Many phone books also include a special section dedicated to charities. In addition, many newspapers also list charitable organizations as a public service.

Finally, because approximately 70 percent of U.S. households contribute to charity organizations, you can use your friends and family as a resource for finding a reputable organization to which you can donate.

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Getting charitable help

We live in tough times. A slumping economy has driven up the unemployment rate in recent years. Too many people are struggling to find a job, stay in their homes and feed their families. There are options out there that can make a positive difference in your life, if you are in a tough situation.

If you turn to a charity for help, here is what you need to do to make sure your needs are taken care of right away:

1. Identify what you need.

Asking for help is a major step all by itself. It is not enough to simply ask for help though. You must identify what kind of assistance you need. Charities will have a difficult time assisting you unless you can be specific in in your needs. Virtually any nonprofit group is dedicated to a specific cause and if they know what your needs entail, they can direct you to the right place to get help.

2. Prepare required documents.

If you need help from a charity, you must be prepared to offer proof that you need help. If you want financial assistance in paying bills, for example, you must be prepared to present documentation like proof of residence, a valid ID card, past pay stubs and a copy of the bill you need to pay.

3. Save required documents.

Keep a personal record of all documentation related to charity assistance. This will serve as a safety net to convince potential donors of your need for assistance. Always be honest in conveying your true needs. If they do not believe your request is valid, you may be asked to provide proof that your current circumstances demonstrate a need for help.

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Benefits of charity donation

Countless legitimate charities are out there, all supporting good causes. There are literally thousands of opportunities for a person to contribute time, money, energy or other resources to support a charitable cause.

If you have never given a thought to donating to a charity, this is a good time to start. There are so many ways that making a charitable donation can benefit you and those around you.

One good reason to donate to charity is that such donations can be written off when you file your taxes annually. There isn’t a soul out there who would not like a tax break. If you donate to charity, that money does not count toward your overall tax bill. So you can kill two birds with one stone by helping others while also helping yourself.

Another reason to donate to charity is to clean out items from your home that you no longer use. Many people have homes filled with clothes, toys, books and furniture they no longer use. Donating items such as these can be as useful and helpful as simply writing out a check to your charity of choice. In many cases, these things are still in good enough condition to be put to good use by families and individuals who do not have the funds to purchase such items on their own.

Perhaps the most important reason to make charitable donations is because it fulfills a grander purpose. You are helping people who are less fortunate than you because circumstances in their lives created that situation. It is a good thing to give back when you have the means to make a difference.

One thing you can do to make it easy is to donate to a charity that has helped you, your spouse, a family member or a friend in a time of need. The best way to repay an act of service like that is to return the good turn done to you. If you donate to a charity that helped you or someone you know, you are helping that organization also make a difference in other lives.

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What Everyone Ought to Know About Charities

There has been an increasing amount of charity fraud happen since the economy took a downturn in 2007. Most people don’t even know until after the fact that they are dealing with a false charity. There are a few things everyone should know about charities to help avoid donating their money to someone that is not who they claim to be. The following is a list of questions you can ask yourself to help distinguish between a real charity and a fake one.

1. Is it a charity you have heard of?

Most charities get a lot of local spotlight; so if you are approached by someone who wants you to donate money to a charity you have never heard of, think twice before opening your wallet. Many fake charities spring up overnight and resemble real charities. This is why it is better to only donate money to charities that are reputable and you have heard of. Not everyone is who they claim to be.

2. Can the representative give you all the information you ask for?

Charities are very organized and they give their representatives brochures, pamphlets, and fliers to distribute to potential donors. Chances are that if someone approaches you about donating money and does not have any tangible information to give you, then it is probably not a real charity. This is true whether the solicitation comes in person, over the phone, or on the Internet. Charities are always willing to give you more information about their cause, even if it means mailing it to you.

3. Does it seem suspicious?

There are many red flags that a charity might be a fraud. If a charity seems suspicious at all, you should just say no and find somewhere more reputable to donate your money. It is best to just go with your gut on this.

4. Is your donation tax deductible?

Most charities are registered with the IRS and will give you a receipt for a tax deduction. Never donate money if you will not get a tax deduction. The same is true of donations that are not monetary like clothing and household items.

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