Do you check out the organization first before donating your money?

I check, definitely. In fact, I'm far more likely to donate to organizations that have actually helped me in the past, or ones that I have volunteered at, so that I know how things actually work there. If I'm donating to something else, I usually make sure it's a well-known organization, and even then I'll check through the BBB's charity pages. It's a very useful resource, and there are many other such resources that rate charities based on how they use the money and such. I'm less careful if I'm giving money to someone in person, because I'd rather take the chance of being duped than not help someone who needs it. But when it comes to charities, I'm more careful.

Being in a small country helps in this aspect - in the sense that there are only so many charities existing. Thus it isn't a problem recognizing their causes and how well- established they are. There was a huge scandal a couple years ago when the National Kidney Foundation (arguably the most popular charity in Singapore), whose donation drives are really pervasive cause all students from the primary and secondary schools are handed the donation cards and are pushed to get donations,was discovered to be mishandling millions of dollars worth of donations. Public outcry, hurt feelings and the like ensued. Anyway my point is that I agree with you: I think it's well worth it to check out the way charities run things before committing to anything. But considering the fact that I'm still a student..well..I don't have much spare to donate anyways :)

I always check them out, I want to make sure that the money is goign to help people and not fund the companys upkeep. I normally give to the same charities every year, so it has not been a problem for me.

Yes, I do. That is why when I am able to make money online and they have an option to "give to charity" I would prefer to take the money for me. I need charity too. If any organization gives to planned parenthood or any organization that condones abortion, I do not give them money out of my pocket. I have stopped giving money to the RNC over a year ago because they are not my party anymore. I am kind of in limbo right now. But I will not vote for a Dem.

Due to my limited income I don't donate much. I give money at church mostly. I can say from experience of all the millions of dollars collected by the red cross for hurricane katrina victims each person only received $360. I would never give them any money or advise anyone too the people it's meant for don't get it.

Yes you definitely need to verify the validity of any organization wanting your money. To many have scammed good people into much money all for nothing. This was seen after many natural disasters. Always be sure it is a legit organization. Best places are always listed with the better business bureau. Another way to check is the internet. If you type in the name of the group along with the word scam you may find them at the top of the list. There are places on the net that list all the known scam organizations. Also, another way to do it is to only give to ones you know. Such as salvation army, red cross, American cancer society and so on. Keep safe!

Yeah a lot of scams out there. I usually just donate to Unicef. It's my favorite charity. I rarely donate anywhere else. Definitely wise to check the organization first.

Yes I do. there are so many scams and people who take money for themselves claiming it's for the sake of poor or children i really have no choice:/ I have to make sure I donate to ones they need money. Each fair organization shows exatly what they use thheir money for. I apreciate that, beside they have nothing to hide anyway. If some charity people want to keep some informations secret it stinks:/

Yes, in this world today you cant trust anyone blindly. Many organizations have fraud leaders who are sucking up the fund. Making sure that this doesnt happen and to ensure that our money is well utilised, either try to organise a meal for the inmates of the charity home ,or provide clothing or any other alternative and try avoiding bulk money donation to prevent it from falling into wrong hands.