Prioritize before making donations, experts advise

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — As the holiday season approaches, charities typically anticipate a surge in donations and now, more than ever, they — and their donors — need for that money to be spent effectively and efficiently.

Charities and experts on giving say there are basic rules for consumers to use when making decisions about wise giving. Before opening up the checkbook, however, donors should think about their personal priorities.

Are human services for the poor your most pressing concern? Does caring for abandoned animals matter to you? Saving the environment? Supporting the sick or the elderly? Improving education?

Charities serving local, national and international needs for all those causes and more are competing for your dollars.

“Pick charitable organizations you can understand,” said Nils Frederiksen, spokesman for Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett.

He also said that many charities can tug on heartstrings, but consumers should remember that they’re the ones in charge.

“There is heavy competition for dollars,” Frederiksen said. “At the same time, while everybody has a story to tell, as a contributor you have the right to direct your charitable dollars to where you want them to go.”

Frederiksen also noted that charities are not subject to the Do Not Call list for telemarketers. Consumers can ask charities to take their names off their phone lists voluntarily, however. Consumers who feel harassed by charities’ solicitations can call the attorney general’s hotline at (800) 441-2555, he said.

Charities that solicit in Pennsylvania must be registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Consumers can check its Web site, www.dos.state.pa.us.char/site/default.asp, to see if a charity is registered and receive basic information.

Once you identify your goals for giving, research them.

Web sites such as www.networkforgood.org can direct donors with charities by state and type. It also provides resources to direct consumers to volunteer opportunities.

Other organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau and Charity Navigator, make recommendations about charities’ effectiveness. Effectiveness is broadly measured by checking how much in donations pays for the charity’s programs and how much it spends on administrative costs, advertising and fundraising.

Legitimate charities should always be open to potential donors’ inquiries.

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