Florida Consumer E-Newsletter
November 2006
Download PDF version [1,200K PDF]
A Message From the Commissioner...
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Dear Friends: Charities depend on people like you and me to support them in serving the public for various causes and purposes. Many charitable organizations use your donations wisely. Others may spend a considerable portion of your contribution on administrative expenses or additional fundraising efforts. Some may misrepresent their fundraising intentions or solicit for phony causes. With this in mind, it’s important to know who you’re donating your money to and where it’s going. |
As the regulatory authority for charities in Florida, we know it can be a tedious task to obtain financial data for all your prospective donation receivers. That’s why we’re here to help. The department has created a Gift Givers’ Guide; a one-stop guide to charitable giving that reports the financial data for charities registered in the State of Florida. The Gift Givers’ Guide is available online and can be accessed by visiting our website. We’ve also created a limited amount of printed versions for consumers without internet access.
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, to find out how that organization spends your donation or to obtain a Gift Givers’ Guide by mail, contact our consumer hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) from within Florida, 850-488-2221 calling from outside of Florida, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) en Español or you can view our online Gift Givers’ Guide.
Sincerely,
Commissioner
Thinking about donating to a charity? If so, keep these tips in mind to ensure that your donation dollars benefit the people and organizations you want to help.
Know who you’re donating to. Never give to a charity you know nothing about. Request written literature and a copy of the charity’s financial report. If a charity does not provide you with the information you request, you may want to think twice about donating. Honest charities typically encourage your interest and respond to your questions. It’s also important not to judge a charity solely on an impressive sounding name. Many organizations have names similar to well-known charities and organizations.
Know where your dollars are being spent. It is up to the charitable organization to decide how they wish to spend their donations. However, it’s important to do research to discover how much of your donation goes for general administration and fundraising expenses and how much is left for the program services you want to support. To find out if your charity is registered or for a detailed breakdown of financial information, give us a call today at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or visit our online Gift Givers’ Guide.
Avoid high-pressure tactics. Do not let yourself be pressured into contributing on the spot. 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.
Keep good records. For tax purposes, you will need to keep a record of all your contributions of any amount. Be sure to obtain a receipt or printed copy of your donation so you will have a record for use on your taxes. Never give your credit card number to a telephone solicitor and don't pay by cash. Pay by check and make it payable to the charity, not the fundraiser.
Beware of charities offering gifts. Direct mail solicitations are often accompanied by greeting cards, address stickers, calendars, key rings or other forms of gifts. Charities do this because it can be an incentive to donors. But do not feel that you have to make a contribution to keep these “gifts.” It is against the law for a charity to demand payment for any unordered merchandise. Ask if 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.
“Tax Exempt” is not always “Tax Deductible.” Not all charities soliciting in the name of benevolence are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. “Tax exempt” means the organization does not have to pay taxes. “Tax deductible” means the donor can deduct contributions to the charity on his/her federal income tax return. Request the charity’s tax exempt letter. If the charity does not have a tax exempt letter indicating its status with the IRS, you cannot legitimately claim your contribution as a tax deduction.
Consider alternative forms of giving. In addition to financial support, consider giving your time and skills by volunteering. Not only will you help the organization, but you'll also make contacts, hone your skills, and learn more about the charitable cause to which you're committing your time and money. Some charities may also accept clothing, furniture or other goods in the place of money.
For more information, to check if your charity is registered and for specific financial information, give us a call today at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) from within Florida, 850-488-2221 calling from outside of Florida or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) en Español. You can also access this information on our website by visiting our Gift Givers’ Guide.
Additional Resources
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Tips on Giving
If you decide to give your money to a charitable organization, make sure you know exactly where the money is going. Review this brochure for some quick tips on giving to a charity. (En Español)
Gift Givers' Guide - A Guide to Charitable Giving in Florida
Many times we are bombarded with telephone and mail solicitations regarding charitable organizations. Make your money count!!! Before you contribute to a charity search our database which provides financial information on all of the charities currently registered in the State of Florida.
