You can quickly and easily search for information about charities and their intentions.
There are many charities that help people and animals in need. Charities can have very different purposes, from rescuing unwanted dogs to sending children in third world countries to school. For every charity with good intentions and follow-through, there is a charity masquerading for a good cause only to take the profit for itself. If you like what a charity stands for, but are not sure whether or not your money will go to a proper cause, there are several steps you can take to make sure your money is being used appropriately.
Instructions
1. Verify the charity's 501 (c) (3) tax-exemption status. This means that the charity is verified by the IRS and that donors can write off their donation as tax-deductible.
2. Confirm that the charity is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Information about complaints of businesses are made public. If you are unsure about a charity, you can email the Better Business Bureau to see whether or not they have information on file about them.
3. Discuss how your money will be spent with the charity, and ask for a financial plan. Charity Navigator states that reputable charities spend 75 percent or more of their money on programming and 25 percent or less on administrative costs and salaries.
4. Ask the charity if you can contact those who have benefited from the charity, or go to an event where the charity will be helping others. This way, you can observe the charity at work first-hand and discuss with those who benefit from it whether or not it has helped. If the charity is local, you should be able to observe programming or even volunteer.
