10/11/2026
Before You Donate, Take a Moment to Verify 💙
Giving season is here, and charities depend on generous people who truly want to make a difference. Unfortunately, that generosity can also be taken advantage of.
I understand how easy it is to trust a kind person, an emotional story, or the good work shown on social media. I did—and I never stopped to ask how the organization was being operated. It was called TRUST...That experience taught me an important lesson: a good heart should still ask good questions.
Before donating, take these steps: Look up the charity!!
1️⃣ Ask for the charity’s exact legal name and EIN. An EIN identifies the organization, but it does not by itself prove that donations are tax-deductible.
2️⃣ Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Search by the organization’s legal name or EIN. Review its tax-exempt status, eligibility to receive tax-deductible contributions, determination letter, Form 990-series filings, and any listed “doing business as” names. (Did they change a K to a C.)
3️⃣ Check the appropriate state charity registry or Attorney General’s office. Registration and reporting requirements vary by state. Confirm that the charity—and any paid fundraiser—is registered where required and review the available public filings. Non-profits must file state and federal taxes.
4️⃣ Look closely at transparency and oversight. Review the charity’s mission, leadership, board structure, programs, financial information, and how donations are used.
The IRS also defines “related” broadly — including spouses, parents, children, grandchildren. A board dominated by relatives can risk losing tax exempt status if decisions benefit the family rather than the public.
Ask whether money and property are held in the organization’s name.
Nonprofit property must be titled in the organization’s legal name, not in an individual’s name, to preserve the nonprofit’s tax exempt status and protect assets from personal claims.
If property is titled in an individual’s name, it is generally considered their personal asset, which can trigger IRS rules against private inurement and risk loss of tax exempt status —not treated as an individual’s personal assets.
Commingling risks – Mixing nonprofit funds with personal funds is considered “commingling.” This can lead to audit triggers, inurement violations, and loss of donor trust. Nonprofit bank account must be in the charities listed name and not in the individual’s name. It is recommended that at least two board members, but a total of 4 preferred as owners of the account.
5️⃣ Watch for red flags. Be cautious if an organization pressures you to give immediately, refuses to provide details, has unexplained missing filings, frequently changes names, asks you to pay an individual, or cannot clearly explain where your donation will go. A social media page or polished website alone does not prove legitimacy.
6️⃣ Donate safely. Give directly through the verified organization using a secure payment method, keep your receipt, and avoid requests for cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
Not every small charity has a large staff or expensive website, and filing rules are not the same everywhere. The goal is not to judge by appearance, it is to look for honesty, accountability, transparency, and independent verification.
Your generosity matters. Please do not stop giving—just take a few minutes to make sure your donation reaches the people, animals, or cause you intended to help. ❤️
