Charity Navigator offers the following 5 guidelines to ensure your holiday contributions are well-spent.

1. 5 Holiday Charity Giving Tips
from
Charity Navigator

2. 1.Think About the
Long Term
Like investing, giving should be driven by long-term
goals. Dropping some change in the bucket isn't going
to change the world. Responsible philanthropy requires
that you define what you hope your giving
accomplishes and then develop a plan to reach those
goals.
@CharityNav www.charitynavigator.org

3. 2. Ensure the Charity is Efficient,
Ethical and Effective
Check the charity’s
•
Fiscal Health: Financially healthy organizations have greater flexibility and freedom
to pursue their charitable mission.
•
Commitment to Accountability & Transparency: Charities that are accountable
follow good governance practices and are an open book are less likely to engage in
unethical or irresponsible activities.
•
Results Reporting: Knowing what the charity has accomplished is a critical step;
after all, the charity’s ability to bring about long lasting and meaningful change in the
world is the key reason for their existence and what you want your donation to be
used for.
@CharityNav www.charitynavigator.org

4. 3. Help Charities Squeezed by the
Federal Government Shutdown
Government agencies regularly pay charities late and fail to pay the full cost
of the services the charity provides. The shutdown further stressed charities
that depend on government funding – like arts and human services charities
– that were already near the breaking point in the aftermath of the Great
Recession. Consider a gift to these charities to enable them to continue to
meet the need for their services.
@CharityNav www.charitynavigator.org

5. 4. Be Wary of Crowdfunding Sites
Don't be fooled by the glossy appearance of these sites with
compelling videos and storytelling. With little to no vetting going on
by these platforms, they are a very risky way to donate.
@CharityNav www.charitynavigator.org

6. 5. Give Online in One Place
If you want to deduct your charitable contributions on your
2013 tax return, you have until December 31st to make your
donations. When you give online at Charity Navigator you
have the luxury of waiting until the last minute, knowing that
not only will you be provided an instant receipt, but your giving
records are maintained in one place, making your life easier
at tax time.
@CharityNav www.charitynavigator.org

7. 5 Holiday Charity Giving Tips from
Charity Navigator
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Think about the long term
Ensure the charity is efficient, ethical and effective
Help charities squeezed by the federal government
shutdown
Be wary of crowdfunding sites
Give online in one place
Go now to Charity Navigator to pick a charity
and donate.
@CharityNav www.charitynavigator.org