Charitible Giving

When your are asked to give to a charity:

• Get as many facts as you can, including the charity's exact name, address and telephone number. Request to see the solicitors identification. Many California cities and counties have passed ordinances that try to protect the public against fraudulent solicitation. These ordinances may require charities and charitable fundraisers to register, certify their tax exempt status, obtain a license to solicit, and file accounting of fundraising proceeds. Find out from your city if such ordinances are in effect.
  
  
• If you are solicited by telephone, ask to be mailed information about the charity's purpose, goals and finances before making any donation.
  
  
• Don't be fooled by names that sound impressive or that closely resemble the name of a familiar organization.
  
  
• Don't give cash. Make checks out to the charitable organization, not the person asking for the donation. Never give your credit card number.
  
  
• Ask how your money will be used. Ask how much money will actually reach the charity and whether the solicitor is being paid to make the call. Ask whether the solicitor represents a professional fundraiser and whether the fundraiser is registered. Registration is not proof that the fundraiser is trustworthy, but failure to register violates California law.
  
  
• Don't give into pressure to donate on the spot. Legitimate organizations will not rush or pressure you into giving money immediately.
  
  
• Do not accept any offers to send a messenger to your home to pick up your contribution.
  
  
• You are under no obligation to pay for or return unordered merchandise, such as return address labels, greeting cards or pens enclosed with a appeal letter.
  
  
• Hang up the telephone on aggressive and harassing solicitors.