INDIANAPOLIS – While the holiday season may be a time of giving, Hoosiers are being encouraged to look more closely at the “big picture” of a charity before making a donation.
A recent study from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) found consumers consider the finances of an organization to be the most important indicator of trust.
Tim Maniscalo, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Central Indiana, says giving decisions should be approached holistically, and not focused on just one aspect of a charity.
“You want to look at the mission of that particular charity and make certain you understand what it is that they’re doing,” says Maniscalo. “Is it truly something you want to put your money towards? Is this a cause or something that rings true with you?”
He says donors should consider many factors when considering a charity’s accountability, including finances, governance, fundraising, effectiveness reporting, and appeal accuracy.
Maniscalo says giving wisely to charitable organizations also includes ensuring you’re not getting ripped off by a con artist.
“They know this is the time of year when people’s hearts are a little bit more open,” he says. “We do see more giving in general in December, and consequently, the people who are up to no good also know that.”
He says due diligence is crucial to ensuring a donation is going where it is intended.
“Just be on the lookout for unsolicited solicitations and people coming up to you out of the blue,” says Maniscalo. “A lot of times those are the people who are not the legitimate charities out there.”
According to Maniscalo, other red flags include high-pressured appeals, door-to-door visits, or someone who will not provide a receipt for a donation.
Mary Kuhlman
