Ahoy!
My thoughts go out to those displaced and/or affected by the tragic
tornadoes in Oklahoma.
I feel this is a time of sharing what we can in our own way to assist in helping out financially or in the donation of material things...i.e. clothing, food, or furniture etc.
Unfortunately, this is also a time to beware of scams and con artists.
Here are a few of tips to eliminate your gift or donation not finding its intended beneficiary:
1) Ask questions.
Make sure the charity you are sending the money through has a 3-1 ratio of outreach to administrative costs. To determine this ask to see the organization's IRS Form 990. By law, a charity must furnish their last 3 year's results. Reluctance or failure to provide you with the IRS Form 990 is a red flag. Also make sure there are more than 1-4 board members.This eliminates a bunch of family members or friends from setting up charity rife with potential conflicts.
2) Earmark your donation.
Make certain you specify all of your gift goes directly to disaster relief and get it in writing that's where it will go. If they are hesitant...again a red flag is present.
3) Be proactive.
If you want to donate, research and find the most trusted organization with a history of good works. If you are proactive, you stand a great chance of eliminating time spent on the phone with solicitors, and opening emails from desperate sounding organizations. "I gave at the office" could become your truth.
You can also use charitynavigator.com to research any organization that you find yourself having dealings n these matters.
Again, my heart goes out to those victims of natural disaster in Oklahoma as they try to put it all back together again.
Captain Frankendread
