NH Attorney General Warns: Givers Beware

Attorney General Joseph Foster and Anne Edwards, Interim Director of Charitable Trusts, issued a warning Tuesday to those who are considering making donations to charitable organizations during this season of giving – be aware of how you make your donation. 

Attorney General Foster recommends you contact the local charities you would like to donate to rather than respond to a paid fundraiser who calls for donations.  Attorney General Foster and Interim Director Edwards posted a report  that reveals that 80 percent of the charities that used paid fundraisers only received 25 percent or less of the money donated.  The remainder of those funds went to the fundraisers for fees and expenses.  

“Unfortunately, most New Hampshire citizens are not aware of the very high fees and costs that professional fundraisers frequently charge.  We are hopeful the report informs our citizens.  Please continue to give as the needs are great, but give wisely,” Foster said. 

A link to the full report can be found here. 

 “Just as in other aspects of your life, you must be an informed consumer when making charitable donations.  You should choose the charities you want to donate to and decide how much to give.  If you receive a phone call asking for a donation, you should ask the caller how much of your donation actually goes to the charity and how much to the paid fundraiser," Edwards said.

• Never provide personally identifying information such as your credit card number, bank account number, social security number or birth date.  

• Ask for any request for a donation to be provided to you in writing.

Foster and  Edwards also suggest that before people make charitable donations, they review the Attorney General’s 10 Tips For Making Smart Donations.