Smart Giving: How to Ensure Your Donations Make a Difference
Before donating to a charity, it’s wise to ensure your money is used effectively. First, verify the organization’s legitimacy using watchdog sites like Charity Watch or Charity Navigator. Second, check the “program expense ratio” to see how much of the donation goes directly to programs versus administrative costs – ideally, at least 75% should support programs. Finally, confirm the charity’s tax status; donations to 501(c)(3) organizations are typically tax-deduct
