Give some thought to these tips on how to find the right cause and the most effective way to help.
By: Kathy M. Kristof, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
You know the holiday season has begun when the Salvation Army kettles start appearing at malls and grocery stores. This is the busy time of the year for charities in general, when about half of all donations made by Americans are given out.
“The October-through-December corridor is the big giving time,” said Bennett Weiner, chief operating officer of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. “Charities want to get a donation before the year is out and when the holiday spirit is in. Donors are interested in the same thing — and about being able to claim a tax deduction.”
But giving to charity isn’t just about parting with some money. You also must decide which organizations should get your money. And ideally, you’d like to know that those precious dollars will be well spent. With pressing needs all around and more than 1 million charities to choose from, how can philanthropists ensure that they’re getting a decent bang for their buck? Here are some tips from the experts.