Giving Tuesday is here, and you might want to make sure you know exactly who you're donating to this holiday season.
Mary Hagen, CEO of professional fundraising company Colossal, shares top tips to help support your organization and learn how to avoid potential scams.
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“Whether or not Whether you're considering donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, these tips can help guide you in deciding how to get involved and which organizations to support.'' Based in Arizona Hagen said in a video shared with Fox News. digital.
Know who to gift to this holiday season with these 3 easy tips from the pros. (St. Petersburg)
1. Research before giving
There are many websites online where you can get background information about the charities you want to support.
Hagen encourages people to focus on important details such as registration status, financial transparency, and accountability.
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“Look for charities that spend a large portion of their donations directly on programs, rather than on executive salaries,” she added.
Avoid pressure tactics over the phone or in person, as you may be dealing with a scammer. (St. Petersburg)
2. Avoid high-pressure tactics
High-pressure tactics are usually the work of scammers, so if you find yourself talking to someone asking for donations “on the spot,” take that as a red flag.
“Scammers often use high-pressure tactics and emotional appeals to manipulate people into spending their hard-earned money,” Hagen commented.
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Reputable charities seeking your donations will not ask you to rush anything.
“Donations are currently at an all-time high, but unfortunately that means scammers are also working overtime.”
Financial decisions like this take time, so make sure you're not feeling any external pressures before choosing a charity.
“Take the time to research and decide for yourself,” she continued.
3. Be careful how and where you donate.
Many charities accept donations online, which is a great benefit if you're looking for convenience.
However, Hagen says it's important to know about those charities if you come across them while searching the web.
“If you're donating online and want to get a tax deduction, you need to make sure the charity you're supporting is registered in your state,” Hagen added.
Bonus tip:
Become a “small fish in a big pond.”
Hagen said it's important to have a “small fish in a big pond” mentality, especially if you're just starting to donate and want to stay within your budget.
“Find out where your personal money can have the biggest impact,” she told FOX News Digital via email.
“Many charities are very transparent about what exactly a $1 donation covers or provides to the organization. For example, on the nonprofit's website, $1. You may be able to cover the cost of food for an animal shelter with a capacity of $500 to $1,000. Those with a dollar giving budget may feel strongly that this is a powerful way to make a difference even if they are a small fish in a big pond.”
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Hagen said charities that cover major expenses, such as “providing financial relief to families with sick children,” can more easily donate large sums of money and make a bigger difference. He said it might be suitable for corporate sponsors.
This giving season, follow Colossal CEO Mary Hagen's easy tips to discover the best ways to donate to your favorite charities and avoid unwanted scams during the holidays. (St. Petersburg)
Beware of solicitations for donations
“Donations are currently at an all-time high, but unfortunately that means scammers are also working overtime,” Hagen said.
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Recruiters are harder to vet than nonprofits, and new scams that are harder to identify incorporate AI, Hagen said, so the safe approach is “to refrain from soliciting donations.”
“Of course, the unfortunate thing about this 'rule' is that some solicitation is legal. But to combat the 'what if' feeling, it is important to keep your chosen cause personal and well-researched.” Promise yourself that intentionality matters and that if you strive to do good, you will always make a difference,” she added.
For more information, please visit colossal.org.
