HARRISBURG (PRNewswire) – Pennsylvanians planning to give to charities should educate themselves and follow a few tips, Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortes reminded Friday.
Cortes encouraged residents to contribute to causes close to their hearts, whether to a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen, or an
international organization working on a global scale.
“Pennsylvanians generously give to a variety of worthy causes,” said Cortes. “As with any expenditure, contributions should be made carefully to
ensure that your dollars are used wisely.”
Before signing a check to any charitable organization, learn where your money will go and how it is spent. While most charities are legitimate,
some are not. Research the charity before giving. Be sure that the charity’s practices match your expectations.
Cortes said the Department of State’s Bureau of Charitable Organizations’ Web site contains tips and warnings for charitable giving,
such as:
— Never give to a charity you know nothing about.
— Do not hesitate to request written information from the charity regarding its programs and finances.
— Do not feel pressured into giving on the spot or allowing someone to come to your house to pick up the contribution.
— Never commit to donate over the phone unless you are familiar with the organization.
— Never give cash, credit card numbers or bank account numbers; always write a check payable to the charity so you have record of your
donations.
— All charities have expenses, so check carefully and know where your money goes.
— Find out if your contribution is tax-deductible. Giving before Dec. 31, 2006, may provide donors deductions for the upcoming tax filing.
Consult your tax adviser to determine whether your contribution is tax-deductible.
More than 9,500 charities are registered to solicit contributions in Pennsylvania. The Bureau of Charitable Organizations’ Web site contains
important information on these charities. Visit the site and search using the PA Keyword “charities.”
Through the bureau’s online registry, consumers can learn how much charities spend on fundraising and administrative costs, and how much is
spent on the causes they support. With this information, donors can make better-informed decisions about charitable giving.