Lend A Hand On Giving Tuesday, And How Not To Get Scammed

November 27, 2018

After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, today marks a globally-recognized giving campaign known as Giving Tuesday. Throughout the day, individuals, families and businesses will kick off the holiday season by donating to deserving charities and nonprofit organizations.

Here are couple of ways to help, or choose the charity of your choice to take part in Giving Tuesday.

The United Way of Escambia County helps local agencies right here in Escambia County. To donate, text “GIVE850″ to 41444 or click here.

The Florida Disaster Fund is the state’s official fund established to aid Florida’s communities throughout disaster response and recovery — including after Hurricane Michael.

To donate to the Florida Disaster Fund:

  • Text ”DISASTER” ($10) or “DISASTER25″ ($25) to 20222
  • Visit www.volunteerflorida.org and click “DONATE”
  • Send checks to the Volunteer Florida Foundation (please include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line):
    • 3800 Esplanade Way, Suite 180, Tallahassee, FL 32311

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is offering tips to help Floridians make the most of their charitable contributions on Giving Tuesday. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps Floridians maximize their donations by providing detailed information on charities registered in Florida.

Floridians should to take the following simple steps when preparing to make a charitable contribution:

  1. Check-A-Charity Before Donating

Use the department’s Check-A-Charity tool at FloridaConsumerHelp.com to view a charity’s financial information, how contributions are being spent and current registration status, or call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352).

  1. Watch out for Scams

Scammers take advantage of people’s generosity by pretending to be a real charity to commit fraud. Frequently, bogus charities will exploit a recent natural disaster or tragedy, such as a hurricane, and promise to use the donations to aid victims. It is also important not to judge a charity solely on its name, as many organizations may use names similar to well-known charities and organizations.

  1. Keep Good Records

Always obtain and save a printed copy of a donation or a receipt of the contribution amount. Not all organizations soliciting in the name of benevolence are true charities eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. 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).

All charities soliciting within Florida, excluding religious, educational, political and governmental agencies, are required to register and file financial information with the department. If a professional solicitor is requesting a donation on behalf of a charity, the solicitor also must be registered with the department and should be able to provide their registration number.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive