As the seventh-largest city in the nation, home to a large retired military population and an underserved Hispanic population, San Antonio is home to dozens of charities that can help stretch donated dollars further this holiday season.
However, with the number of nonprofits requesting donations at this time of year, it can be difficult to know which ones to trust.
“The holidays are commonly about food and shopping, but they’re also about giving — and with what’s going on with the election cycle, world events and inflation, the need is greater than ever for our local nonprofits and regional nonprofits,” said Jason Meza, senior director of media relations and community engagement at the Heart of Texas Better Business Bureau.
Meza says it’s important to know where exactly your money is going and to vet which charities and organizations you’re giving to so your gift goes to a legitimate and effective charity.
By doing due diligence and following these tips, you can ensure that your donations go to organizations that are trustworthy, effective and transparent, Meza said.
Here are four tips to consider before donating your dollars this holiday season:
1. Be cautious of look-alike charities
During the holiday season, it’s common to see requests for donations, some of which may come from organizations that closely resemble legitimate charities, Meza noted. These “imposter charities” often use names that are very similar to well-known nonprofits, hoping to trick well-meaning donors.
“A dash here or a slight variation in the name could mean you’re donating to the wrong group,” Meza warned. “Make sure you’re giving to the exact organization you intend to support.”
Before making a donation, double-check the charity’s name, and use a reliable online resource like the BBB or Give.org to ensure you’re contributing to a legitimate cause.
2. Don’t feel pressured to give immediately
The holidays are filled with emotional appeals, and many charities take advantage of this to create a sense of urgency, Meza said.
Whether you encounter a fundraising table outside your local store or receive an email asking for an immediate donation, it’s important not to feel rushed.
“Responsible charities will welcome your gift just as much tomorrow as they do today,” said Meza. “Take your time to research the organization and make sure it’s one you want to support. If it’s an on-the-spot donation request, take a step back and ask yourself if this group is trustworthy.”
One of the most important steps in charitable giving is doing your research, he added. The BBB offers a 20-step accreditation process for charities that verifies they meet higher standards of accountability, transparency and ethical practices.
“We make sure they provide clear financial data, have a track record of responsible management, and operate with transparency,” he said.
You can check a charity’s accreditation status and review its history on the BBB’s website.
3. Look for transparency about how donations are spent
One red flag to watch out for when donating is a lack of transparency, Meza said.
Legitimate charities will readily provide information about their mission, funding and how donations are spent. If an organization is reluctant to share financial information or details about its operations, it’s a sign that further investigation is needed.
“Charities should be transparent about how they use donations,” Meza said. “You should be able to access their financial reports or ask for detailed information about their operations.”
If a charity doesn’t provide clear, accessible information, it’s a good idea to look elsewhere, he said.
4. Avoid charities that lack a mission statement
A reputable charity will have a clear mission statement that outlines its goals and objectives, Meza noted. If you come across an organization that doesn’t explain its purpose or is vague about how donations are used, it’s best to look elsewhere.
The same goes for if their website seems off or hard to navigate, he added. But also be wary of websites that seem too eager to take your dollars and perhaps are a single page with a payment link.
That can apply to in-real-life as well, he said.
“Watch for those on-the-spot donations from an unfamiliar group that stays outside of a store,” Meza said. “The holidays bring in a higher frequency of these kinds of requests outside public locations.”
