Holidays Bring Out The Not-So-Charitable

Merchants are not alone in appealing for your dollars at this time of year. Many charities also make an extra push for contributions.

Make sure you’re not dealing with Grinch.

Outright frauds are relatively few, but many of those soliciting funds are taking a big chunk of the money for themselves.

According to figures compiled by the Washington Secretary of State, charities that retain professional fund-raisers receive as little as 5 percent of the sum collected.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Owen Clarke Jr. said the 128 companies registered to raise money in Washington pass through an average of only 40 percent of their proceeds to charity.

The 10 largest companies keep almost 80 percent of the take.

“It’s a year-round problem,” he said. But “it does tend to increase during the Christmas season.”

Clarke said there are several steps those who receive phone or mail solicitations can take to ensure their money is going to those in need.

When in doubt, the first step should be a call to the Secretary of State’s hot line at 1-800-332-4483.

All charitable organizations and fund-raisers are required to register with the state. If the company that approaches you for money is not registered, steer clear, Clarke said.

The registered charities and fund-raisers must file annual statements showing the amount collected and how much was actually put to charitable use vs. how much was spent on fund-raising.

Clarke said potential donors should ask phone solicitors for the registration number of the entity they are working for, and also look for the number on any written material they receive.

When called, he said, consumers should ask whom they are taking to and whether he or she is a volunteer working directly for the charity or employees of a commercial fund-raiser.

If they are professionals, ask what share of the amount they take in will reach the charity. “I’ve never yet found a commercial fund-raiser who knows the answer,” Clarke said.

The Consumer Resource Center of the Attorney General’s office publishes a brochure, “Charities: Give but Give Wisely,” that explains how you can protect your charity contributions.

Clarke said consumers can contact their local Better Business Bureau, which also produces a publication called “Give … But Give Wisely.”

The 8-page quarterly contains tips on holiday giving as well as ratings of the national charities the bureau most frequently receives questions about.

Copies are available by calling the Spokane bureau at 328-2100 or 1-800-356-1007.

Director Lisa Stephens said questions about charities are among the most common fielded by the agency.

For $3, the American Institute of Philanthropy has available its “Charity Rating Guide & Watchdog Report.” The organization grades more than 300 charities based on the percent of funds raised put to charitable use and the cost of raising $100.

Thirty-five charities get a failing grade.

The institute advises givers to avoid organizations that do not give at least 60 percent of funds to charitable programs.

Copies of the guide can be obtained from the non-profit group by writing: AIP; 4579 Laclede Ave.; Suite 136; St. Louis, Mo.; 63108.

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