Contribute generously, but contribute wisely. Insure that your charitable dollar goes to the cause that you intended. Know your rights and responsibilities as a donor.

Ask Questions

1. What is the name and location of the charity?

2. What is the purpose of the organization?

3. Ask for a financial statement. Under the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act, this must be made available to you by request.

4. Is my contribution tax deductible?

5. How much of my contribution will go toward the charitable purpose and how much will go for fundraising and administrative costs?

Always find out if you are being solicited by a volunteer or professional fundraiser. Many charities employ professional fundraising organizations to handle fundraising for them. These are persons who are paid to solicit contributions from you. Remember, professional fundraisers are in business to make a profit. By law, professionals are required to disclose to you their paid status and the name of their professional fundraising organization and the charity they represent. Upon request, they must provide you with a copy of their registration certification from the Attorney General's Office.

Warning Signs

Be wary of:

1. High pressure tactics.

2. Cash requests.

3. Solicitors who will not provide you with their name, address and phone number.

4. Gifts in the mail. (You are not required to return the gift or to donate.)

5. Beware of charities with names similar to well-known charities.

For Information in helping you to evaluate a charity, you can call the Attorney General's Office at 1-803-734-9180 or you can write to:

South Carolina Attorney General's Office
Charities Division
P. O. Box 11549
Columbia, S. C. 29211