How To Donate Your Money Wisely This Year

Want to help disaster victims? Do your homework before opening your wallet.

- Alicia Adamczyk And Kate Samuelson

THE HOLIDAY SEASON brings charitable appeals, which this year may be heightened in the wake of devastating natural disasters. Here’s how to donate wisely:

RESEARCH YOUR RECIPIENT

It’s best to donate to a reputable organization; beware of those created in the immediate wake of disasters. For example, bogus charities created after Sept. 11, 2001, preyed on people’s emotions. Scope out a charity’s website for financial info to make sure it’s legit. If it doesn’t say how the funds will be used, that’s a deal breaker. Research organizations through the following websites: charitynavigator.org, givewell.org, and guidestar.org.

GO DIRECT

Try to donate directly through an organization’s website. Scammers use phishing emails to gain access to your personal information; never donate via Facebook or Twitter.