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All charities soliciting within the State of Florida, excluding religious, educational and governmental
entities, are required to register and file financial information with the Department. To check whether
or not a charitable organization is properly registered and to find out how that organization spends your
donation, contact our consumer hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) from within Florida, 850-488-2221
calling from outside of Florida, or you can visit our online Gift Givers' Guide at
www.800helpfla.com.
Consumers are often asked to donate to charities - whether it's at a grocery store, on the phone or by mail.
Donating hard earned money to a worthy cause can be very fulfilling. Be sure to keep these helpful hints
in mind when donating to a charity:
- Charities and organizations know they must ask for money to receive money. Choose which
ones you wish to support and contribute as often and generously as you can afford.
- Don't judge a charity solely on an impressive sounding name. Many organizations have names
similar to well-known charities and organizations. Know who is asking you for money.
- Be wary of emotional appeals, and be suspicious of organizations with only vague plans for
dispensing the funds.
- Ask the charity or organization why it is asking for donations. What purpose will be
served? Ask questions and do not donate until you get satisfactory answers.
- Some solicitors use pressure tactics, and may even offer to send a "runner" to pick up your money.
Reputable charities and organizations are just as happy to receive your gift tomorrow as today.
- Florida law gives the prospective donor the right to request and receive a copy of a charity's
financial report before donating. ASK FOR IT!
- Not all organizations soliciting in the name of benevolence are true charities eligible to receive
tax-deductible contributions. If this is important to you, ask about the organization's federal and
state eligibility for receiving tax deductible donations. Typically, such donations fall under Internal
Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).
- Some "sweepstakes" are done in the name of charity. If you enter a "charity sweepstakes,"
read the rules carefully or your entry may be disqualified. Check the odds.
"Guaranteed winners" often receive prizes worth less than the price of a postage stamp.
- Remember, you are not required to contribute to enter a sweepstakes. Donating money does not
enhance your chance of winning.
- Gifts to donors may be an incentive, but they add to fund-raising costs. You can donate directly to
an organization and forego the gifts. The organization will then have a larger percentage of the
contribution to use for its programs.
- Be aware that many telephone appeals for funds are made by paid solicitors, not volunteers. The
solicitors often work for a for-profit firm hired by the organization. Telemarketing is expensive
and may entail substantial fund-raising costs.
- Some organizations have 900 phone numbers. When you call the number, the cost of the call is
automatically billed to your phone. Before dialing, make sure you wish to donate the price of the
call (it may be expensive) to that particular cause.
- Charities must spend money to raise money and they must pay fair salary to their employees.
Most cannot function on volunteer help alone. Every organization will have some administrative and
fund-raising costs.
- NEVER GIVE CASH! Contribute by check and make it out to the organization.
- Ultimately, it is your money and your contribution. MAKE IT COUNT
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