FTC Charity Checklist

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Regular readers of my blog will know that charitable giving is a strong interest of mine.  In the coming year watch for my book on how the middle class can be philanthropic, leaving a legacy without having millions.  In the meantime, I offer these tips, borrowed from the Federal Trade Commission, as you consider making charitable contributions.  Crooks do not take the holidays off, so make sure you are making informed donations.

• Ask who wants your money and how it will be used;
• Be careful of similarly sounding names of organizations;
• Do not send cash donations; and
• Use caution if promised gifts are being offered.

See the FTC's complete charity checklist here.