1. Check out their rating with the better business bureau at www.bbb.org and/or www.charitynavigator.com.
2. Look for the charity seal on the organization’s website this shows they meet the rigorous standard of using a high percentage of money collected for the cause.
3. Ask if they will provide you with a receipt for tax purposes.
4. If donating an automobile, ask who is responsible for registering the car and when this will be done.
5. Ask if they sell contact information. If so, ask if you can opt out of that option.
6. If the charity accepts donations of clothing, ask how the clothing is used.
7. Once you check out the charity, you can check the IRS for the approved fair market value for your donation(s).