You want your donations to count, so it’s important to do some research before giving to a charity. Here are four questions to ask before making a donation.

Is it a legitimate organization? Once you have found the charity you’re considering giving to, check out their website and make sure the charity is registered. You can also use sites like Charity Navigator and BBB Wise Giving Alliance to confirm the registration status of a charity or non-profit organization.  

Will your donation be tax deductible? If this is important to you, make sure to confirm that the organization you’re donating to is registered with the IRS as a tax-exempt organization. You can look up the organization in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.

Does the charity clearly communicate who they are? If a charity struggles in articulating its mission and its programs, it may also struggle in delivering its promises. Try to find a charity that clearly explains its purpose and measurable goals.

Do you support the charity’s mission? Make sure to search online for a cause you care about, such as disaster relief, medical research, or environmental charities. If you fully support the mission of the organization, you will feel good about your donation.

The act of helping others, donating to charity, or volunteering your time is a rewarding experience. At SeaComm, we strongly believe in supporting the communities we serve through donations and acts of kindness. Click here to learn more about our most recent contributions!