Give wisely: Before you donate money, check the charity’s rating
Do you give charitable donations during the holiday season? Many people do, which is why you see so many people in Santa hats ringing bells outside bustling stores.
Have you ever wondered where that money goes? What about other charities like cancer research, children’s hospitals or even places like Ronald McDonald House?
Before you give to a specific cause this season, look up the organization’s ratings first. Not all charities are created equal. Some are even out to scam you. Tap or click here for the worst scams spreading on the web. Keep reading for ways to donate without worry.
Why are charities rated?
Charities receive ratings based on the kinds of programs and services they provide and how they handle donations. As Consumer Reports explains, not all charities do what they claim.
Some spend more on administrative and fundraising costs than they do actually giving to their causes, while others are fakes that scam people out of their money.
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Watchdog websites can help determine whether a charity is a registered public 501(c)(3) organization. Those that are registered are legally recognized for their charitable programs.
But even if an organization is certified, it doesn’t mean it appropriates funds responsibly. Charity rating sites break down their scores into sections to provide the details you want, like what percentage of your donation is used to help the cause you care about.
Where can I check the ratings?
We suggest you visit several watchdog sites to see how your cause of choice stacks up. Not every site rates charities according to the same criteria, so it’s worth comparing the same charity on at least two sites before you donate.
Try one (or more) of the following:
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