32 | NOVEMBER 14 • 2024 
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N

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ou want your donations to 
count, so it’s important to do 
some research before giving 
to a charity. Here are some things 
you can do to learn more about a 
charity and avoid donating to a scam.

FIVE THINGS TO DO BEFORE 
YOU DONATE TO A CHARITY
1. Search online for the cause you 
care about — like “hurricane 
relief” or “homeless kids” — 
plus phrases like “best charity” 
or “highly rated charity.” Once 
you find a specific charity you’re 
considering giving to, search its 
name plus “complaint,” “review,” 
“rating,” “fraud” or “scam.” If you 
find bad reviews, it might be best 
to find another organization.

2. Check out the charity’s website. 
Does it give you details about the 
programs you want to support 
or how it uses donations? How 
much of your donation will go 
directly to support the programs 
you care about? If you can’t find 
detailed information about a 
charity’s mission and programs, 
be suspicious.

3. Use one of these organizations 
that help you research charities:
• BBB Wise Giving Alliance: 
https://give.org
• Charity Navigator: www.char-
itynavigator.org
• CharityWatch: www.charity-
watch.org
• Candid: https://candid.org

4. Find out if the fundraiser and 

the charity are registered. Some 
states require that charities regis-
ter with the state regulator. Check 
to see if a fundraiser and the 
charity they’re calling on behalf 
of are registered with your state’s 
charity regulator.

5. Check if the donation will 
be tax deductible. If this is 
important to you, confirm that 
the organization you’re donating 
to is registered with the IRS as a 
tax-exempt organization. Look up 
the organization in the IRS’s Tax 
Exempt Organization Search.

PHONE CALLS ASKING 
YOU TO DONATE
If someone calls asking you to donate, 
ask important questions:
What is the charity’s exact 
name, web address and mailing 
address? Some dishonest telemarketers 
use names that sound like large well-
known charities to confuse you. You’ll 
want to confirm this information later.
How much of my donation will 
go directly to the program I want to 
help? The caller is most likely a paid 
fundraiser, not the charity itself. So, 
after the fundraiser gives you their 
answer, call the organization directly 

Use these tips to make sure your money 
is going to legitimate causes.
Give Wisely!

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

GIVING GUIDE

CHARITY BY NICK YOUNGSON CC BY-SA 3.0 PIX4FREE

continued on page 34

Every day, scientists at the Weizmann Institute in Israel 
pursue breakthroughs in cancer research, brain and 
neural science, technology, education, medicine, 
environmental sustainability, and other areas critical 
to the future of humanity.

A Charitable Gift Annuity is an opportunity to partner 
with our scientists while securing your financial future. 
Y
ou receive payments for life, significant tax benefits, 
and a legacy of funding scientific research that could 
change the world.

To start experiencing these rewards, call 
212.895.7941 or email legacy@acwis.org.

Don’t 
miss out on 
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rates! 

Charitable Gift Annuity Rates*

* Illustration only. Seek your own legal and tax advice to 
determine the consequences of your gift. NY rates may differ. 

Those 70½ and older may make a one-time tax-free gift from 
their IRAs of up to $53,000 (up to $105,000 for a couple).

Age 65  5.7%
Age 75  7
.0%
Age 85  9.1%

Age 70  6.3%
Age 80  8.1%
Age 90+  10.1%

Example: 
Give $25,000 
at age 80 and 
get $2,025/year 
(8.1%) for the 
rest of your life.

Secure your future and 
help scientists save 
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around the world.

STA N D I N G W I T H 
WEIZMANN 
AND ISRAEL

