Fielding Investments founder Brian Fielding reveals what people need to look for before making a charitable donation.

2. Brian Fielding is the first to admit that it can be difficult to choose which charity
deserves a slice of one’s hard-earned paycheck. From children’s charities, to
helping veterans, to supporting the environment, it sometimes seems that there
are just too many worthy causes in need. So where to start? Here are some tips:
Give to familiar organizations. No matter how strongly they may tug on
heartstrings in the moment, says Brian Fielding, be wary of just donating to
people at the mall or on a street corner. There is no way of knowing exactly
where the money is going, and how much of it is being put to good use. Sure, it
may feel good in the moment, but the goal should be long-term, efficacious
results.

3. Be wary of similar-named
charities. Sadly, charities aren’t
usually creatively named and
almost always sound similar,
shares Brian Fielding. This is
compounded by the fact that
charities in different states can
sometimes share the exact same
name and be totally unrelated.
Ensure the contribution is tax
deductible. Brian Fielding wants it
to be known that giving to a
charity isn’t the same as donating
to a non-profit or not-for-profit
organization, so be sure to ask.
When giving to charities, one can
deduct donations when it comes
time to file taxes. This is not true
of other types of organizations
like non-profits.

4. Make sure the organization is lawful
and legitimate. The IRS keeps a quick-
reference list that denotes registered
charities
at http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-
Non-Profits/Search-for-Charities.
Unfortunately, says Brian Fielding, it’s
common for scam organizations to be
set up that mimic charities that prey
on unsuspecting good Samaritans.
Don’t be a victim and do some
homework before cutting a check.
Keep info secure. If an organization
asks for credit card info or personal
details over the phone, either
through an email or in a door-to-door
visit, think twice. Just because
someone appears to be a charity
worker doesn’t mean that they are a
kindhearted and ethical individual,
and credit card fraud should be a
constant concern when people are
asking for such info.

5. Overall, Brian Fielding wants people to know that giving to
charity can (and should) be a selfless, rewarding act that has a
tremendously positive influence in the world. Much of society’s
ills are being combated via charity, and there are hundreds, if
not thousands, of reputable institutions that deserve support. By
paying attention and keeping close tabs on what these charities
are doing, donors are in the best position to protect themselves
and help causes in need across the community.

6. http://brianfieldingcharities.com/