Confirm 501(c) (3) Status
Its a familiar scene especially around the holidays. It seems that everywhere you turn there is someone with a canister asking you do drop some money in and feel good about helping the needy. your in line checking out at a store or a restaurant and there's a display asking for your spare change or cash.
NOT SO FAST!
Be leary of such solicitations as you are most likely not all that sure what happens to your donation.
money into canisters at the checkout counter or hand over cash to solicitors outside the supermarket. Situations like these are irresistible to scam artists who wish to take advantage of your goodwill. Smart givers only support groups granted tax-exempt status under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator meet this basic requirement.
Its a familiar scene especially around the holidays. It seems that everywhere you turn there is someone with a canister asking you do drop some money in and feel good about helping the needy. your in line checking out at a store or a restaurant and there's a display asking for your spare change or cash.
NOT SO FAST!
Be leary of such solicitations as you are most likely not all that sure what happens to your donation.
money into canisters at the checkout counter or hand over cash to solicitors outside the supermarket. Situations like these are irresistible to scam artists who wish to take advantage of your goodwill. Smart givers only support groups granted tax-exempt status under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator meet this basic requirement.