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 A Cause for
Charity
Donating to charities is a wonderful way to help contribute
to human, animal, and or environmental causes. Yet, as well meaning as
many people are in assisting those in need there are individuals who take
advantage of the kindness of people by funneling donations for their
personal gain. If you are an active charity donor keeping apprised of
valid charities is essential to assure the validity of the organization
raising funds.
Researching the facts about an organization is the best way
to make the decision to give to a legitimate charity that is worthy of
your money. Gathering background information on an organization including
documentation of annual reports and budget information can reduce any
doubts about the activity of the organization. Learning where donations
end up once the charity has received your money is also important to
understand as part of making the best decision about who you want to
donate to. Many charities are valid and are able to do the good work they
do because they uphold their charitable obligation.
While "fake" organizations use familiarity and
association to organizations that have similar causes, names and
marketing images as ways meant to fool individuals into donating to them.
If there are any doubts about an organization and it is not what it seems
then request information regarding the charity for personal review and a
location where donations can later be sent. Tactics that impose a sense
of familiarity are there to create a false comfort in order to deflect
doubt and skepticism.
Qualified organizations are registered as charities with the
CRA. The CRA assists legitimate charities by offering technical advice on
operating a charity, and handling audits and compliance activities.
Meeting requirement of the Income Tax Act registered charities must
file an annual return with the CRA and is available to the public for
review.
For more information on registered charities, please visit
the Charities
Directorate Web page on the CRA
Web site or call their bilingual toll-free number at 1-888- 892-5667.
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