Donating to Charity this Christmas? See who is legit.
If you're donating to a charity this Christmas season, it's important to know who is legitimate and that your money is eventually reaching those whom you expected it to reach. Charlotteans are a caring and giving people... but we can get duped as easily as the next person in our enthusiasm to show charity. Read on below about Charity Navigator, which rates over 7,000 charities. While this site might not have all the answers, it goes a long way to providing you with comfort that your donations make sense.
In recent years we've read story after story about how huge charitable organizations misuse donations.
Some of them pay their directors unbelievable salaries and bonuses (more than a million$$). Some of them spend less than 1% of donated funds on actual charitable work. Some spend MOST of their revenue either on salaries or mailings to raise more money.
It's enough to make you keep your money in your pocket - or to restrict your giving to only local charities whose work you can see for yourself.
Personally, I think that's probably the best idea, but if you're thinking of giving to any of the "Big Guys" or considering saying "Yes" to any of those people who call on the phone, check them out first.
Charity Navigator rates over 7,000 large charities - those with annual revenues of at least $1 million.
Their charts will tell you where the charity gets their money, what percentage of it goes for programs, administration, and fundraising, and how much money the "top dog" earns each year. I just checked out a charity I intended to support - and changed my mind.
Charity Navigator will also give you some information on smaller charities - those with revenues under a million. They just won't give you a rating.
Unfortunately, the charts won't tell you everything you might want to know.
For instance, is it true that the Red Cross took donations intended specifically for Katrina victims and spent them somewhere else? Is it true that PETA euthanizes more pets than they save? Is that same thing true for HSUS?
Who knows - are those rumors, or truths? You'll have to go with your own instincts on that part.
marte@copybymarte.com
www.copybymarte.comPriest River, Idaho
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