Giving Tuesday is here, but you might want to make sure you know exactly who you’re giving to this holiday season.
Mary Hagen, CEO of professional fundraising company Colossal, shares her top tips to help you learn how to support organizations and avoid potential scams.
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“Or If you want to donate, volunteer or just help spread the message, these tips can help you decide how to get involved and which organizations to support,” Hagen, who lives in Arizona, said in a video shared with Fox News. Digital.
Make sure you know who you’re gifting this holiday season by following these three simple tips from a pro. (iStock)
1. Research before you give
There are numerous websites online that can help you gain background information information about a charity you are looking for support.
Hagen encourages people to look at the important details, such as registration status, financial transparency and accountability.
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“Look for charities that spend large portions of their donations directly on programs rather than on executive salaries,” she added.
Avoid any pressure on the phone or in person as you are likely dealing with a scammer. (iStock)
2. Avoid high-pressure tactics
If you find yourself speaking to someone who wants you to donate “on the spot,” consider that a red flag, as high-pressure tactics are usually the best solution. work of scammers.
“Scammers often use high-pressure tactics and emotional appeals to manipulate people into spending their hard-earned dollars with them,” Hagen said.
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A reputable charity looking for your donation will not ask you to rush into anything.
“Giving is currently at an all-time high, but unfortunately this means scammers are also working overtime.”
These financial decisions take time, so make sure you don’t feel any outside pressure before choosing your charity.
“Take the time to do your research and decide for yourself,” she continued.
3. Be mindful of how and where you donate
Many charities are accept donations online, which is a big plus if you’re looking for something handy.
However, Hagen says it’s important to know some information about those charities if you found it while searching the internet.
“If you donate online, you want to make sure the charity you are supporting is registered in your state if you want to take advantage of that tax deduction,” Hagen added.
Bonus Tips:
Be a ‘little fish in a big pond’.
Hagen said it’s important to have a “small fish in a big pond” mentality, especially if you’re new to donating and want to stay within a budget.
“Research where your individual dollar can have the biggest impact,” she told Fox News Digital via email.
“Many charities will be very transparent about what an exact dollar donation will cover or bring to the organization. For example, you may see on a nonprofit’s website that for every $1 you make, you can cover a year’s worth of food.” animal shelter with a capacity of 250. If you have a donation budget of $500-$1,000, you may feel strongly that this is a good way to make an impactful donation. A great place to be a small fish in a big pond and still make a difference.”
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Hagen said charities that cover large expenses, such as “providing financial assistance to families with sick children,” may be better suited to corporate sponsors who can easily donate a large sum of money and make a bigger difference.
This giving season, follow Colossal CEO Mary Hagen’s simple tips to help you find the best way to donate to your favorite charity and avoid unwanted holiday scams. (iStock)
Beware of solicited donations
“Giving is currently at an all-time high, but unfortunately this means scammers are also working overtime,” Hagen said.
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Because lawyers are harder to screen than nonprofits, and AI is linked to newer scams that aren’t easy to identify, Hagen says a safe approach is to “refrain from making solicited donations.”
“The unfortunate part of this ‘rule’, of course, is that some requests are legitimate. But to combat feelings of ‘what-ifs,’ you must commit to knowing that the cause you choose is personal, well-researched, and intentional.” that if you want to do the right thing, you always make a difference,” she added.
For more information, visit colossal.org.
