We’re in prime holly jolly time now, when you are likely being approached each time you’re at the shopping mall with people who ask you to give to a good cause. Our Charities Program wants to keep you from being snookered, and has come up with some easy tips to make sure your donations pack a punch. Today’s Holiday Giving Tip: Ask “What percentage does your organization spend on the charitable purpose”? Why do this? Let’s say a group says it is raising money to buy toys for foster children. What if you find out that this group only puts $1 out of every $100 donated toward toys and spends the rest on administrative costs and advertising? You would probably want to know.

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