Only Donate to Reputable Charity OrganizationsYesterday we listed ways for kids to raise money for Haiti. Today we not only urge you to donate money for earthquake relief but also know who you are donating to. Only donate money to reputable charity organizations.
Reputable nonprofits that are already staging and providing relief to Haiti include Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, and The Salvation Army. Your donation can be tax deductible if your charitable organization can accept tax-exempt donations. To see a list of organizations that can and cannot accept tax deductible donations click here.
Before Donating Money to Haiti:
1. Start with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The IRS provides a list of all of the organizations that have received tax-exempt status. Click here to search the IRS for charities.
2. Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) web site: The BBB has a portion of its site devoted to donating money. It provides a database of approved organizations, as well as general advice and information for donors. Click here to visit their charity section to get reports on specific charities, ask about a charity, lodge a complaint against a charity, and get more tips on charitable giving.
3. How much goes to the cause? While some foundations give 100% of the donation to those in need, others retain a percentage to cover operating costs. Charities will be up front about this (they have to, according to the IRS) so make sure to do your research so that you end up with an arrangement that makes you comfortable.
4. Visit the Guidestar web site. Guidestar provides information about charities and can confirm that your donation will be going to the right place.
5. Don't give out your personal or financial information freely. If you give a credit card number, address, birth date, you can be a victim of identity theft.
Have you donated to a charity to help Haiti earthquake victims? What have you done to help?
4. Visit the Guidestar web site. Guidestar provides information about charities and can confirm that your donation will be going to the right place.
5. Don't give out your personal or financial information freely. If you give a credit card number, address, birth date, you can be a victim of identity theft.
Have you donated to a charity to help Haiti earthquake victims? What have you done to help?
3 comments:
"The charity that is a trifle to us can be precious to others.” - Homer
Yes I texted $10 to red cross and I gave $50 to the school collection and one of the parents is matching every dollar collected at the children's school. Thank you for helping us figure out who to donate to. I think red cross is safest bet. Small churches and stuff aren't tax deductble and have not the man power to help immediately.
A lot of people are making a lot of excuses not to donate. But we all have a spare $10 to donate. Just do it!
Do you really not have a $10 or $20 to donate?
-- Just Curious
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