It’s important to perform research on charities before giving any money or time to them, as they often ask for larger amounts and more frequently than in the past through various channels such as mail, phone, TV, and radio. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your charitable contributions while avoiding fraud. Discuss your option with a certified accountant in Chandler, AZ.
Devoting Your Time
Giving back to the community through volunteer work can be gratifying, but before you dive in, you should think about the following.
- You should study up on what the charity does. Find out as much as you can in writing about the charity’s operations and finances.
- Be advised that some volunteer positions demand formal education and a regular time commitment.
- If you are thinking of helping a charity with door-to-door fundraising, you should find out if there are financial checks and balances in place to prevent the misuse of donations.
- The value of your time spent volunteering is not tax-deductible, but reasonable out-of-pocket charges are.
In no way should you feel compelled to respond to a poll included in an appeal.
Don’t fall by fundraising requests masked as bills or invoices. Without a prominent disclaimer saying that the document is an “appeal” and that the recipient is under no obligation to pay unless they accept the offer, it is prohibited to send a “bill,” “invoice,” or “statement of account” in the mail.
It is businesses, not consumers, who are the primary targets of fraudulent invoices. Those who receive one are encouraged to report the company to the BBB. Sending Out Requests Via Mail
Direct mail fundraising is used by many organizations. Even if the majority of these pleas are genuine, you should be wary of the following:
The mailing piece should unmistakably name the organization and its specific programs. You should do some research before giving to a charity whose fundraising plea moved you to tears but provided no information on the organization’s mission.
Address labels, stamps, bumper stickers, greeting cards, calendars, and pens are all examples of unwanted items for which it is illegal to request payment. The recipient of an appeal letter is not obligated to either pay for or return any such items.
Any appeal that includes a sweepstakes promotion should make it clear that a donation is not required to enter or win. If participants had to pay to enter, the contest would be considered an unlawful form of mail-in gambling.
