Charitable Contributions

In lieu of flowers, families may request that monetary donations be given to a favorite charity.  If this is the case, honor these donation requests when possible.  Even if the family hasn’t specified a specific charity or even suggested donations, giving to a worthwhile cause in honor of a loved one is a special tribute. Think about the deceased; What were some of the things that made that person unique? Was he a veteran? What kind of hobbies did she enjoy? What was her occupation? Did he volunteer or have a passion for a particular cause? 

There are nearly 1.8 million nonprofit organizations in this country, so the competition for funds is intense. Before you turn over your hard-earned money, be sure the charity you select has a good track record. The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance is a good place to start.  The American Institute of Philanthropy offers these guidelines for charitable giving:

• Know your charity
• Find out where your dollars go
• Do not respond to pressure
• Keep records of your donations
• “Tax exempt” does not always mean “tax deductible”
• Do not be misled by a charity’s seemingly familiar name
• Do not be enticed by emotional appeals
• Ask if the charity is registered by federal, state and/or local authorities
• Beware of charities offering gifts