Giving Tuesday kicks off the charitable season, a time when many people focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.
It’s a great way to come together as a community, but you should do it in a smart way.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has put out several tips to consider.
First use the state’s check-a-charity tool online, which allows you to view a charity’s financial information. It asks the charity why it is asking for donations and what it will do with the contributions.
Also, watch out for scams. Scammers are out taking advantage of people by pretending to be a real charity. Make sure to check the validity of organizations.
A third tip is to keep good records including printed copies of receipts that give you the chance to claim the donation as a tax deduction.
If you’re giving on Tuesday, inspire others to do the same on social media using #GivingTuesday.
