Ahead of Giving Tuesday, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul advised potential donors to make informed decisions during the holiday season. In Illinois, fundraisers and charitable organizations must register annually with the Attorney General’s office.
“I encourage potential donors to review my Charitable Trust Bureau’s tips before making donations for Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season,” Raoul said. “I will continue to offer resources to Illinois residents who give charitable donations to ensure their generous donations are used for the intended purpose.”
Raoul shared several tips for those considering charitable donations:
- Do not assume charity recommendations on social media are legitimate without personal research.
- Ask how much of your donation goes directly to the charity versus fundraising costs; solicitors must provide this information upon request.
- Be cautious about charity names that may mimic legitimate organizations.
- Ensure all questions about the charity are answered before donating, including verifying registration with the Illinois Attorney General’s office and understanding how funds are allocated.
- Exercise caution with online giving due to potential spam email solicitations linked to scams.
- Avoid cash payments or peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or Zelle; opt for check or credit card payments instead.
- Request written information from charities detailing their mission and financials.
Raoul also warned against high-pressure tactics by solicitors, recommending donors take notes of any solicitation calls. Information about charitable organizations can be reviewed on the Attorney General’s website, and suspicious activities can be reported through his Charitable Trust Bureau.