For many people the holiday season is a time to support their favorite charities. Making it an ideal time to revisit how you give, how you protect yourself from scams, and how you make sure your chosen organizations truly deliver on their promises.

Establishing a Thoughtful Giving Framework

Before diving into individual charities or tax rules, create a clear giving framework. Consider an annual budget for charitable donations—whether that’s a set percentage of your after-tax income or a figure that aligns with your values and financial plan. Choose three to five organizations that resonate with you personally, and commit to engaging with them in a meaningful way. This narrowed focus allows you to build relationships, understand how your gifts are used, and feel confident that your support is making a real difference.

Once you’ve selected your charities, spend time understanding how efficiently they operate. Platforms such as Charity Navigator provide ratings on governance, financial health and transparency. Their “Accountability & Finance” beacon assesses whether a charity is managing its funds well and reporting clearly to donors.

Ensure Your Donations are Making a Difference

You can also review each organization’s publicly filed IRS Form 990, which reveals revenue streams, major expense categories, leadership compensation and program outcomes. A quick scan can answer questions like: Are the charity’s operational practices aligned with its mission? Does leadership compensation seem reasonable? Is the charity growing sustainably—or simply spinning wheels? Good organizations welcome these questions and respond in a transparent way.

 Protecting Yourself From Charity Fraud

Generosity matters—but so does caution. Unfortunately, charitable giving is a common target for scams and mis-use. Imposters often use high-pressure appeals, ask for money via unconventional methods (gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency), or create websites that look like legitimate charities but aren’t. To protect yourself:

  • Always verify the charity’s name and website directly (don’t click links in unsolicited messages).
  • Use reliable databases (e.g., the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search tool) to confirm the organization’s status. According to the Internal Revenue Service, donors can search for qualified organizations to ensure their gift is tax-deductible. IRS+1
  • Consider only making gifts when you feel comfortable and have time to review the charity—not under duress. Legitimate charities encourage thoughtful donors; they don’t push you with fear or urgency.

By aligning your gifts with your giving budget, doing due diligence on charities, protecting yourself from fraud, and keeping an eye on upcoming tax changes, you create a robust and efficient philanthropic strategy. You’ll give with confidence, knowing your generosity both amplifies impact and aligns with your broader financial life.

If you have any questions.  You can always stop by one of our branch locations or reach out to our member service call center at 877-661-3300.