Senior citizens can make an important difference by contributing to charities of their choice. Because many seniors have some disposable income, they may be targeted by unscrupulous charities or con artists pretending to represent charities. To assure that donations are only going to organizations that deserve them, follow these tips:
- Get written information about the organization's mission and past financial activity before deciding to donate. If a fund raiser is reluctant to send you information, you should be suspicious of the charity;
- Ask the group for details on how much of your donation will go to the charitable activity and how much will go to overhead and fund-raising costs;
- When contacted by phone, ask if the solicitor is a volunteer or is being paid;
- Do not allow yourself to be pressured into making a donation. Ethical fund raisers will give you time to consider a contribution;
- Never give your credit card or bank account number over the phone unless you initiated the call;
- Finally, be suspicious of any organization that guarantees you will win a prize if you give.
To learn more about specific charities, visit:
Philanthropic Research Inc.'s Guidestar
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