In Boston, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has issued guidance for residents planning to donate to charitable organizations during "Giving Tuesday" and the holiday season. The guidance aims to help donors make informed decisions.
“I encourage our residents to give charitably when they are able, and it is important that people take the necessary steps to ensure their donations are ending up in the right hands,” said AG Campbell. “I advise everyone to review my office's guidance on charitable giving as they head into this holiday season to ensure they are well informed on what to look out for when solicited for donations.”
The Attorney General's Office (AGO) requires charities and professional solicitors seeking public donations to register with them. Donors are encouraged to ask questions about who is contacting them and where their money will go. Consumers should inquire if the person soliciting is a paid fundraiser and how much of each dollar donated goes directly to charity versus being retained by fundraisers.
The AGO offers resources such as the Giving Wisely Advisory and the Donating Dos and Don’ts: A Guide to Charitable Giving. These guides provide tips like verifying a charity’s details, understanding where donations go, keeping records of transactions, not feeling pressured into donating, and avoiding cash or debit card payments.
Massachusetts law mandates that public charities within the state register and file annual reports with the AGO’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division. These filings are publicly accessible online, offering insights into a charity’s operations and finances. Additionally, donors can consult the IRS regarding tax-deductible contributions.
For inquiries or complaints about charitable solicitations, individuals can contact the Attorney General’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division at 617-963-2101 or file a complaint online.