Department of State, Harrisburg Senators Team Up to Educate Consumers on Informed Charitable Giving

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of State is working with the Harrisburg Senators baseball team to help consumers learn how to make better-informed decisions about charitable giving.

Tonight, the department's Bureau of Charitable Organizations will lead off the Harrisburg Senators' "Organizations of the Game" program, which highlights a different charity during each home game.

"The Department of State helps Pennsylvania residents make better informed giving decisions by providing financial information about charities and professional fundraisers who solicit for charitable contributions," said Tracy Boak, bureau director. "We help donors learn what amount of their contribution is going to charitable services to ensure the organization's practices match their expectations."

Boak, who will throw the game's first pitch, also urged the public to visit a website, www.dos.state.pa.us/charities, which contains tips and warnings for charitable giving. They include:

• Never give to a charity about which you know nothing.
• Request written information from the charity about its programs and finances.
• Do not feel pressured into giving on the spot or allow someone to come to your house to pick up the contribution.
• Never commit to donate over the phone unless you are familiar with the organization.
• Never give cash, credit cards numbers or bank account numbers.  Always write a check payable to the charity so you have record of your donations.
• All charities have expenses, so check carefully and know where your money will go.
• Consult with your tax advisor to determine whether your contribution is tax deductible.  

The Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organizations administers the state's charitable solicitation law. It also maintains registration and financial information for nearly 11,225 charities as well as more than 400 professional solicitors and fundraising counsels soliciting in the commonwealth. Visit www.dos.state.pa.us and select "Charities" for more information.

Consumers without Internet access can call the Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organizations toll-free at 1-800-732-0999 to obtain information on charities.

Media contacts: Leslie Amoros or Charlie Young, 717-783-1621

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State

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