Be an Informed Donor!!

Charities play a very important role in Canadian society. As a donor, it is important to be informed and make wise decisions about your donations. Unfortunately, there are people who pretend to raise money for charity but keep the donations for their personal gain. Do your homework and gather some important facts before you make any donations.

How can you become an informed donor?

• Gather as much information as possible on the charity and ask for any background documentation, annual reports, and budget information.
• Find out how much of your donation will go to charitable activity.
• Never give out personal information.
• Only charities registered under the Income Tax Act can issue official donation receipts.
• To verify if a charity is registered under the Income Tax Act, and to access its annual information return, please visit the Charities Directorate Web page or call our bilingual toll-free number at 1-888-892-5667.

Before making a donation, beware of…

• High-pressure solicitors who want you to contribute immediately. Don’t give in to pressure. Take the time to review your objectives and your donation budget. Remember that you are entitled to say “no” and that you do not need to justify your decision.
• Someone who calls you or knocks at your door and thanks you for a pledge you do not remember making. This tactic is often used to create a false sense a familiarity and lure you into believing that your previous donation made a positive difference in your community, when in fact, you never gave money to this fraudulent organization.
• Names that “sound” like well-known charities, but that are not quite the same. Scam artists will not hesitate to use similar wording, logos and graphics to make you believe you are giving to a national, well-known charitable organization.

For more information visit the CRA website