Where your money goes and how you can donate safely

Since 2012, Giving Tuesday has fallen on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and offers many a reason to donate a little extra money. Donating can be scary after spending on Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday deals, but a South Carolina nonprofit says a donation could put food on the table for a family in need.

“It’s easy to get caught up in everything that’s going on,” said Carli Anselmi, director of development at Bluffton Self Help, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. “So as we look around and see, for example, what makes you feel good, how can you invest your time and energy to make the community a better place.”

Bluffton Self Help (BSH), which aims to provide its Lowcountry neighbors with basic needs, education and career development resources, says a donation of time is just as effective as a donation of money.

However, the IRS allows donations to 501(c)(3)s to be tax deductible during tax season.

“About 60% of our neighbors are alive and unable to meet their basic needs. “I think the average household spends about $900 to make the holiday season possible,” Anselmi said. “Although it is very exciting and joyful and a time of joy, for some families it can also be a time of hardship and financial stress.”

The office of Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has issued these guidelines to help donate safely and meaningfully:

1. Research charities before donating.
   1. “Use reputable resources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and Charity Watch to view detailed information about a charity’s legitimacy, financial practices, and impact.”
2. Be careful with email and online advertising.
   1. “Do not respond to unsolicited emails or online messages that purport to be from people in need. These can be phishing attempts or fraud. Never open attachments from unknown senders as they may contain viruses.”
3. Check tax deductibility status.
   1. “If a tax deduction is important to you, make sure the charity is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. Check the organization’s status with the IRS using the Exempt Organizations Check database. Keep in mind that using terms like “tax-exempt” or “non-profit” does not automatically mean donations are tax deductible.
4. Review financial documents.
   1. “Look at a nonprofit’s financial records, such as IRS Form 990, to understand how it manages its funds. Websites such as GuideStar and Charity Navigator provide access to these forms, which detail the organization’s assets, liabilities, sources of income and expenses.”
5. Be wary of similar sounding names;
   1. “Some fraudulent organizations use names similar to well-known charities to confuse donors. Double check the exact name and details of the organization before making a donation.”

“In recent years, Georgians have faced significant challenges, from the financial impacts of COVID-19 to rising inflation,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “Georgians are incredibly generous, and during this time of giving, our office is committed to ensuring that charitable donations go to trusted organizations that truly help those in need.”