Giving to Charity
North Carolinians like you give billions of dollars to charities each year. We should be proud that so many people in our state give away so much of their own money to help others.
Most charities are legitimate and effective. Unfortunately, some of the people who try to get you to give to charity may be out to scam you.
Follow these tips before you decide to donate your hard-earned money:
- Ask for written information. Ask for the charity’s name, address and telephone number, and whether or not your donation will be tax deductible. A legitimate charity will mail you materials that tell you the charity’s mission and what your donation will help them do. Ask them to include information about the how much of your donation will benefit the charity and how it plans to spend your money.
- Find out whether or not the charity is licensed. Many charities that solicit in our state are required by law to register with the N.C. Secretary of State. You can call that office toll free at (888) 830‑4989 or check out a particular charity or fundraiser online.
- Research charities you want to help. Instead of donating to someone who calls you, research charities to decide which ones you want to support. Contact organizations you’d like to help directly to learn the best way to help them. Think carefully before giving to telemarketers who call for charities, since a large part of your gift may go to the for-profit telemarketer.
- Give to charities you know. If you’ve helped out as a volunteer, seen the organization’s work in your community or checked out their track record, you’ll have a better sense of how they operate and how your donation will help.
- Watch out for telemarketing scams. Beware of telemarketers who refuse to answer your questions, offer to pick up your donation or pressure you for private financial information. If you are suspicious, call the charity and find out if the organization is aware that someone is soliciting donations in its name.
- Watch out for fake charities that sound real. Some phony charities use names that are very close to the names of real charities, non-profits or even law enforcement agencies.
- Be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge or donation you don’t remember. If you have any doubt, check your records. Be on the alert for invoices claiming you have made a pledge when you know you haven’t.
- Say no to high-pressure appeals. Legitimate fundraisers won’t push you to give on the spot.
- Be wary of getting a prize for your contribution. You never have to donate anything to be eligible to win a legitimate sweepstakes.
- Avoid giving cash. Cash can be lost or stolen. For security and tax record purposes, it’s best to pay by check. Make the check out to the charity, not the person or company raising the money.
- Check to see if your donation is tax deductible. Not all contributions to non‑profits are tax deductible. Some gifts that appear to be for charity actually benefit for-profit companies. Check it out before you decide to give.
We Can Help
If you have a complaint about a charity scam,
contact us for help or call toll free within North Carolina at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.