Hotline Legal Tips:

Charitable Giving

By: Ellie Crosby

Frequently Asked Question #5

Charitable Giving

I am constantly approached over the phone and by mail to give money to charities. How can I be sure that my donation is being used to help people?

1. Plan your Charitable giving to be sure your money is going where it can do the most good! We all get numerous calls each month to help those less fortunate. You can be sure that the charity you support is valid by following these simple guidelines:
2. Plan ahead the amount you would like to spend on charities for the year. Stick to your plan.
3. Don't agree to support a charity based on a phone conversation. Ask that they send you information about their charity in writing.
4. Avoid giving money to those who solicit by going door to door. If you are interested in their cause, ask that they leave their information with you so you can check them out and make an informed decision. If they try to pressure you into making a decision on the spot, be wary; the greater their hurry, the slower you should go.
5. Avoid buying products over the phone that are supposed to help those less fortunate. Many times a telephone con artist will try and sell you a product, such as light bulbs or trash bags, that will help fund programs for the disabled or help keep kids off drugs. While this might sound like a good idea, these products are often part of a slick con game to separate you from your money. If you want to support those types of programs, do it directly by giving to a reputable program in your community Avoid buying this often overpriced, inferior merchandise.
6. Check out the charities. Get information on how much of your donation actually goes to the charity and how much is used to support the fundraising process. Most of us would rather have our gifts going to help the needy rather than to pay the salary of a telemarketer.
7. Check to be sure they are registered with the Georgia Secretary of State's Office. The law requires it. Call (404) 656-4910.

Get information on the performance of the charity and the portion that goes to help those in need by contacting the National Charities Information Bureau, 19 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003. Their phone number is (212) 929-6300.

National Charities Information Bureau
19 Union Square West
New York, NY 10003
phone : (212) 929-6300

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Ellie Crosby is a Managing Attorney for the Georgia Senior Legal Hotline. Contact information:

Ellie Crosby - Managing Attorney
Georgia Senior Legal Hotline
2 Peachtree St. 36th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
phone: (404) 657-0217
fax: (404) 657-5285
elliecrosby@usa.net

 

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Disclaimer

This site contains general information about Georgia law and is not intended as legal advice to address any specific situation. It is being provided as a public service by the Georgia Senior Legal Hotline. If you have questions about this information, you should discuss your questions with a lawyer. In Georgia, if you are over 60 you may call the Georgia Senior Legal Hotline (888) 257-9519 to speak with an attorney at no charge about your question or problem. Be aware that laws differ from state to state and that laws and regulations can change through court decisions, the administrative process and through the legislative process. This information is current as of February 2000.