Though giving more to charitable organizations is a great New Years resolution, make sure to double check their credentials before you make a donation. A recent report from the New York Attorney Generals office revealed alarming figures indicating telemarketers in that state on average kept over 60% of the funds they collected last year. Of the 178.7 million dollars raised, only 70.5 million was retained by the charities. The majority of contributions were allocated to cover campaign costs.

This problem is not isolated to New York as countless charities nationwide are guilty of spending too much on fundraising, having little left over for programs or services. So think twice before you give to a charity that calls until you do the proper research! The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has determined that responsible charities should:

*Spend no more than 35% of related contributions on fund raising.

*Clearly disclose how they benefit from the sale of products or services.

*Make available to all, on request, complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Charities calling across state borders also must abide by federal standards which dictate they must call between 8am and 9pm, identify the charity they represent, not lie or mislead you to get a contribution, and not call you again if you ask them not to. To find out more about this, click HERE.

If a charity does not abide by these guidelines do not donate to them and file a complaint with the FTC. Remember, a trustworthy organization will feel comfortable being fully transparent about who they are and how your donation will be used.

To find out more about a charity go to one or all of the websites listed below...Happy New Year!

BBB Wise Giving Alliance - www.give.org

American Institute of Philanthropy - www.charitywatch.org

Charity Navigator - www.charitynavigator.org

GuideStar - www.guidestar.org