Holiday Charitable Giving

Giving to charities is a traditional part of the holiday season. While most charities are honest, some pocket most of the money they solicit for administrative services or salaries. To ensure your contributions end up with legitimate charities, Attorney General Jay Nixon offers these tips:

• Carefully read solicitations mailed to you before you respond.
• Don't judge a charity by its name. Ask how your donation will be used.
• Watch out for charities whose names closely resemble names of other organizations.
• If you are unfamiliar with a charity, research it. Most charities and professional fund-raisers are required to register with the Attorney General's Office.
• Be wary of hard-sell solicitations.
• Avoid cash donations and make checks payable to the organization, not an individual.

From Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon, 11/96.

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