Are there no prisons? Are there no Workhouses?

I don't remember who it was, but someone enlightened said, "Real charity doesn't care if it's tax deductable or not."

I love that.

As some of you know, my previous job was working for the Better Business Bureau and working with the Attorney General's office to oversee non-profits in Indiana. Very few people know that pretty much anyone can start a charity, keep 99.9 percent of the money - and NOT be doing anything illegal. So with that said, there are lots of sketchy charities out there. Be especially aware of people who call you at home asking for money. Steve HATES it when these charities call us because he knows I'm going to torture them. Here is basically how it works:

Charity A hires Company B to do a "Fundraising Campaign" for them. Charity A doesn't have much money in their bank account so the agree that the Company can just keep some of the proceeds. Problem is - it usually ends up being an 80/20 split - and NOT in the Charity's favor. But, the charity hasn't "lost" anything - because they didn't fork over any money to begin with. Sketchy huh? So - here are some questions to ask any "Charity" who calls you.

1. Is this Charity a 501(c) 3?
This is the denotation that will tell you if your donation is tax deductible. Some charities (albeit few) aren't 501(c)3s, therefore you can't write it off your taxes if that's the kind of thing that's important to you.

2. Where are you calling me from?
Here's a hint - Lots of Police and Fire charities that call - they aren't even calling from our state!! Sometimes when I ask this I get, "From the south side." When I ask if that would be the southside of Indianapolis - I get a long pause. They're calling from South Carolina. Yeahhhhhh. I'm not making this up!

3. Are you yourself employed by the charity?
This is a hairy one, because the will try to say "Yes" any way they can. Well, they are employed by the company who was hired by the charity so they'll try to tell you yes. Ask them if they are employed DIRECTLY by the charity and their answer many differ.

4. How much of my donation will go toward program expenses?
Here is a nasty little secret of Fundraisers. Like our division before - 20% (which honestly is high for the campaigns I've seen - it's much more like 10% and under) is going to the Charity. That DOESN'T mean it's going toward saving the Children or whatever. That means that is going back to the charity which may mean it's all going in some hack CEO's pocket. If they can't tell you how much is going to PROGRAMS - don't give 'em anything!!

5. Finally, ask them to take you off of their list. Now, they will probably go ahead and do this anyway after talking to you because they aren't used to people being educated. They can call you even if you are on the Do Not Call list because non-profits are exempt. However, good charities don't want to bother you if you don't want to be bothered.

Some General Tips

1. Most Bonafide Charities won't call you on the phone for money. The exception being your alma mater and a charity to whom you may have donated before. (Unless your initial contact with them was over the phone) Also - PBS may call you. Most charities have fundraising events or send out mailings.

2. Be Empowered! Don't be afraid to ask questions. You will be SHOCKED at how little the person to whom you are speaking actually knows about the charity for which they are soliciting money.

3. Look for 65 percent, or 65 cents on the dollar to go to the program. This is the suggested number. That means 65 cents of every one of your dollars isn't going to the light bill, the mailings, desks, or CEO's salary (all bonafide things of course - but not in excess). It's called "Program Expenses" on an annual report.

4. Look for Charities that match your beliefs or passions. Don't give to every (any actually) Yahoo who calls you on the phone. Take the time to do research about charities in which you ma be interested.

5. Don't get too caught up in Natural Disasters. YES - Katrina victims need money, but so do families in Darfur. Don't "cut off" a charity to which you have been consistently giving because of a sudden occurrence. Split your donations, or find out if there's anything else you can do to help either charity.

*Also - know that you can "restrict" your donations. If you donated money to X Charity and want it used for a certain thing - you can enable that by making it clear by letter or on your check was specific event or campaign you want it to be donated to.

There are a few sites that you can check out to look at a Charity's records. They will break down for you, sometimes, in a nice graph - how much money is going to what. My favourite? www.charitynavigator.org



Finally - here are some charities that I feel are a "safe bet." They have diverse missions and I have personally checked into each one and met with each CEO. I feel comfortable giving my hard earned money (ok my husband's) to. *Disclaimer* This list is in NO way exhaustive. These are simply ones I have interacted with, reviewed tax records of, and found to be exceptional. I am positive there are others out there.

1. Widow's Jar Ministries.
OK - so on this one I am partial because my mom runs this charity. She founded it because she felt that many missionaries, though supported through local churches, don't get everything they need. She has been able to send car parts, medical supplies, and even a special mastectomy bra to one missionary's wife. (Who was so overjoyed she cried for days) My parents are in their late 60s and are both retired. Instead of taking their Winnebago around the country they are working furiously for others in need. I can attest first hand to the passion and love the drives this organization.

www.widowsjar.org

2. The Starfish Initiative
This organization allows children who perform high but are in low performing schools to attend, tuition free, a local accredited private school. It also sets them up with a Mentor who helps them adjust to all the changes a new school will bring. I am especially impressed with their CEO who has a passion for these kids that I have seen in few.

www.starfishinitiative.org

3. The greater Indianapolis Humane Society
I know the CEO of this organization very well too. When she first gave me a tour of the facility I was impressed. She told me about a fostering program they introduced that placed sick or need cats and dogs with a family for a while until they got adopted. This way it frees up a little space and lets the animals get some much needed one on one interaction. I was won over when she told me how many animals she herself was fostering.

www.indyhumane.org

4. The Damien Center
This organization was the very first organization I got to know and tour. The CEO I knew is now gone, but the organization still maintains fundraising integrity and passion of mission that is amazing. They provide free HIV tests to anyone who needs them. They also offer counseling and job finding, and just about any other service that may be difficult for a person with HIV.

www.damien.org

5. Easter Seals Crossroads
Another CEO who is passionate about his mission. Crossroads provides just about everything for anyone with disabilities. From HUGE computer screens, to physical rehabilitation, to a "day care" for disabled adults - this charity has it covered. Economically they do a LOT on a little.

www.crossroads.easterseals.org


I will refrain from listing the names of charities that I found to be SHAAAADY - because it's Christmas and, I don't want to get sued or something.

*Most importantly, remember that charities also want your time. Can't give money? Call and ask if you could volunteer. You'll be shocked at who is touched more*