How do I check a charity is real before I give?
Learn checks to make before giving to a charity.
Check the exact charity name and its work before donating. A similar name may belong to a different group.
Look beyond the request itself. Check charity reports or your local charity register.
No single clue proves a request is real. Take time to decide where you want to give.
Try this
- Write down the exact charity name.
- Look the charity up in your web browser.
- Find their own official website, not a stranger's link.
- Look for their address and how they spend money.
- Check a charity-rating site if you can.
- Give only on their official website.
- Do not pay with gift cards or a wire.
A message you can copy
I want to give to a charity called [name], but I want to be sure it is real first. What simple steps can I take to check it, and what warning signs should I watch for?
Paste the message into ChatGPT, then fill in any blanks before you send it. ChatGPT opens in a new tab. Opening it does not send the message.
Buddy says
Keep a record of your donation. Checking first helps you make a more informed choice.