how do i know that 100% of money given goes to the people that need it and im not linening somebodys pocket?

Answer 1

They should have public reports available and some states require them to be registered with the government. Check with your local government or the charity to which you are giving to find out if they are registered and where you can get the reports. Sometimes it lists on the back of the donation paper how you can check these reports in several differnet states. But even then, I sometimes wonder if the money is going where it's supposed to. Although I continue to give to several charities in hopes that the monies are going where they need the help the most.

Also, check to see if your donations are tax deductable. Most organizations are.

Answer 2

Charities have to take some of it for running expenses and that has to be legitimate. Where it does go wrong is the huge amount some charities take and the miniscule amount that actually reaches the needy.

I well remember back in the 60s and 70s the number of charities that were only passing on a few pennies in the pound. I am sure a lot goes on now. I understand the Salvation Army whilst campaigning for money for good causes like helping down and out etc actually use a lot of the money for their own religious ends!

I think your question reflects the growing unease people feel about charities nowadays.

Time the government put out a simple list each year showing each charity and how much of the money donated to it actually goes to the people it is designed for.

But perhaps it needs to be wider than that. I do not know the facts on Help the Aged now but it was set up in the UK to do that. Then it started using the vast majority of it's funds abroad. Perhaps we also need to know on who the money is being spent!

Answer 3

The National Kidney Foundation of Singapore has a list of people who provide financial donation on a regular basis. They have been doing this for years until a few months ago it was discovered that only 30 cents of every dollar actually go to the needy - 70% of the donations are for living expenses including buying and maintaining luxury cars for the person(s) in charge. Irate donors by the hundreds flooded the office with angry calls. You bet they are no longer on the list. I think charity/religious organisations accounts should be transparent and audited by independent agencies.

Answer 4

Most of the major charities are routinely audited and rated based on the precentage of money donated versus the amount of money paid out. It is rare to find any that are 100%, they do inccur administrative costs that need to be paid. But anyone over 80% is very high, and at least not completely milking the system, and you can feel good that most of your money is helping the cause you intended.

According to Charitywatch.org:
"This is the portion of total expenses that is spent on charitable programs. In AIP’s view, 60% or greater is reasonable for most charities. The remaining percentage is spent on fundraising and general administration."
AIP is the American Institute of Philanthropy (for those of you in Rio Linda)

Answer 5

the ONLY way is to give it directly to people that you know needs it and who you are certain will spend it wisely. However, to do that involves expenses in going to the problem. Giving to someone you pass on the street in your own country is certain to give 100% to the recipiant but there is a high probability that the money will be spent on drink or drugs. Give them food, food vouchers or anything else and there's a chance that they would dump it or sell it for drink or drugs.

Answer 6

As a rule, I will not donate money to any charitable organization. I am willing to give them stuff like food and clothing. This way, i know that my entire contribution is going to the people that need it.

Answer 7

You dont know, in fact most charities bosses are way overpaid, I believe they have to have reports on how the money is spent available to the public.

Answer 8

There's no sure way. I give to action aid each month, have done for years. I just hope my money is going to a good cause here and there.

Answer 9

Quite simple, you con't give money today without someone scalping it. So just pretend everyone is good and keep giving.

Answer 10

You're better off giving your time and efforts, rather than your money.
Always someone out to make a buck off someone else's misery.