Serving Seniors
Ten Tips for Smart Charitable Giving
- Check charity watchdog sites. Use trusted resources like Charity Navigator and BBB
Wise Giving Alliance to verify nonprofit ratings before you donate. Reputable
organizations welcome the scrutiny.
- Verify nonprofit status. Confirm a charity is officially registered through the IRS or your
state’s nonprofit registry. In California, check with the Attorney General’s Registry of
Charitable Trusts.
- Search for red flags. Do a quick online search including the nonprofit’s name + terms
like “highly rated,” “complaints,” or “scam” to identify potential concerns.
- Never donate through unsolicited links. Avoid clicking links in texts, emails, or social
media. If you're interested, go directly to the organization’s website.
- Protect your personal information. A legitimate charity will never ask for your Social
Security number, bank account number, full date of birth, or similar details.
- Use trackable payment methods. Give by credit card or check so you have records.
Review statements to ensure you weren’t overcharged or enrolled in recurring
donations you didn’t authorize.
- Exercise caution with crowdfunding. Platforms like GoFundMe do not require proof of
legitimacy. Only donate if you personally know the organizer or can verify the claims.
- Look for transparency. Legitimate nonprofits provide financial reports and impact data.
Reconsider giving If an organization won’t share this information.
- Ignore “gifts” designed to pressure you. It’s illegal to demand donations for unordered
merchandise. Free labels or calendars should never make you feel obligated.
- Choose high-impact causes that matter to you. There are 1.5 million nonprofits in the
U.S. Your donation matters now more than ever as inflation increases demand for
services and costs for nonprofits like Serving Seniors. Choose wisely!
