11/27/2023
AG CAMPBELL ISSUES GUIDANCE ON DONATING TO CHARITIES AHEAD OF GIVING TUESDAY AND HOLIDAY SEASON
Before donating, consumers are advised to research their charitable organizations, learn how their donations are used, and keep records of donations, amongst other tips
BOSTON — In anticipation of “Giving Tuesday” and the upcoming holiday season, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has issued an advisory and tips to ensure that residents make well-researched and informed decisions when donating to charitable organizations.
“During the ongoing holiday season and observance of Giving Tuesday, residents across the Commonwealth will be making or solicited to make charitable donations in various forms,” said AG Campbell. “My team and I are issuing guidance for residents to ensure that those able to give can make well-informed decisions when donating and are able to make the most impact with their donations.”
While some charities raise funds on their own, others pay professional solicitors to seek donations from the public and are required by statute to register with the AG’s Office. The AG’s Office encourages consumers who are solicited for donations to ask questions so they can understand who is contacting them and where their money would go. Specifically, consumers should find out how much of every dollar they donate will go to charity as opposed to being retained by the professional fundraiser.
Consumers are encouraged to review the AG’s Giving Wisely Advisory and the AG’s Donating Dos and Don’ts: A Guide to Charitable Giving for information, including tips on what to consider before donating to a charity:
• Know your charity: Before you donate, verify the charity’s name, address, number, email address, and website, if available.
• Find out where your money will go: Ask how much of the money goes to charity and beware of statements such as “all proceeds go to charity” because terms like “proceeds” are not well-defined and could refer to net amounts after the fundraiser’s fee is deducted.
• Keep records: Keep any and all receipts and canceled checks, along with emails and texts, in case you have a complaint later – they also come in handy when filing your annual income tax returns, if you are eligible to deduct charitable contributions from your gross income.
• Don’t feel pressured: Take time to decide if you want to donate, a legitimate charity will tell you how it’s using your money to make a difference.
• Don’t pay by cash or debit card: Pay by credit card or check, especially if donating online. A record of the transaction will be created if you pay by credit card, and you may be able to stop payment if you later change your mind. Credit cards also provide more security for your donation rather than a debit card.
Under Massachusetts law, public charities operating within the state must register and file annual reports with the AG’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division. These filings are available to the public online and provide valuable information about a charitable organization’s programs, activities, and finances. In addition, consumers may check with the IRS to determine if donations to certain organizations are tax deductible.
Individuals with inquiries or complaints about charitable solicitations should call the Attorney General’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division at 617-963-2101 or access the complaint form online.
