About 30,000 new charities are created each year. There are now 1.4 million nonprofit organizations, and the competition for funds has become intense. As charities face inflation, government budget cuts and an increasing public demand for services, they ask you for more donations. Increasing numbers of charities use high-tech fundraising techniques.
Mailboxes overflow with fund-raising appeals.
Phone calls pour in from high-pressure solicitors. All this can leave you confused about which charities are most deserving of your contributions. Most charities are honest and accountable to their donors. Unfortunately, a few are not. AIP suggests the following pointers to help you give more effectively.