‘Tis the season of giving, and many seniors make end-of-year donations to charities. Whether you give out of goodwill, for a tax deduction, or both, it’s important to research before donating to protect yourself and your money. Below are practical, easy-to-follow tips to help seniors donate safely and confidently.
Scammers sometimes pose as legitimate charities, and fraudsters often target seniors’ generosity—especially during the holidays. Taking a few proactive steps can ensure your donation supports the cause you intended.
Research before you give
Charity Navigator is a reliable resource to consult before donating. Founded in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) public charity, Charity Navigator evaluates thousands of U.S. nonprofits by reviewing financial records and assessing performance, financial health, accountability, and transparency. Their impartial ratings and reports help donors understand how an organization spends donations, whether it sustains its programs over time, and how committed it is to good governance and openness.
Other tips for seniors to safely donate
Here are additional practical precautions recommended for seniors considering charitable gifts.
Don’t succumb to pressure tactics.
Reputable charities don’t use high-pressure tactics. They rely on the strength of their programs and transparency rather than aggressive solicitation.
Verify claims of past donations.
If a caller or mailer claims you donated previously but you don’t remember it, verify the claim. Check past checkbook entries or credit card statements to confirm any earlier contributions before responding.
Don’t feel obligated to give because you received a gift.
Small gifts such as address labels, postcards, or novelty items are common in mail solicitations. These “free gifts” don’t obligate you to donate. Be especially cautious about sweepstakes or contests that require a contribution to enter—such tactics are often inefficient or deceptive and not used by reputable nonprofits.
Watch for imposters.
Some fraudulent fundraisers use names that sound like well-known charities to confuse donors. Always confirm the exact legal name of the organization before donating to ensure funds go where you intend.
Hang up the phone…
Do not give money or credit card information to unsolicited phone callers. While some legitimate nonprofits use third-party fundraisers who call on their behalf, scammers use the same method. If you receive a call from a fundraiser and want to give, ask them to mail information and then research the organization yourself.
…then send your donation directly to the charity.
After you verify the charity and feel comfortable, send a check directly to the organization. Mailing a check ensures your donation reaches the nonprofit and avoids fees taken by for-profit telefundraisers. Never mail cash—checks or credit card payments provide a record and receipt you can use for tax purposes.
If you or a loved one has benefited from services at a continuing care retirement community, you may consider donating to support them. Many CCRCs are nonprofit organizations that maintain endowments to help provide services to residents.
Make sure your donation is tax-deductible.
Confirm the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit before donating so your contribution may qualify for a tax deduction. Resources that vet charities typically list only certified 501(c)(3) entities.
Check how the charity uses donations.
Review the organization’s finances and program spending. As a general guideline, you may want to prioritize charities that direct a large portion of their budget—often suggested as at least 75 percent—toward programs and services rather than overhead or fundraising. Charity rating sites can help you find these statistics.
Ask that your personal information not be shared.
Some organizations sell or trade donor lists. If you prefer not to receive solicitations from other groups, ask the charity not to share your information. Many reputable nonprofits honor that request and provide an opt-out option.
A worthwhile endeavor
Thousands of U.S. nonprofits of every size do valuable work. With so many options, seniors can find charities that match their values and interests. By following these straightforward precautions—researching organizations, avoiding pressure, verifying tax status, and protecting personal information—seniors can give safely and build a meaningful philanthropic legacy.