Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has issued guidance for Massachusetts residents on making informed decisions when donating to charities during Giving Tuesday and the holiday season.
“This year, we have watched the federal government launch deliberate and unprecedented attacks on trusted charitable organizations and programs that provide essential services to our most vulnerable residents,” said AG Campbell. “As we enter this holiday season, I want to remind residents that your generosity is more important than ever – and so is your vigilance. I advise everyone to review my office’s guidance on charitable giving, so that your generosity reaches those who need it most and strengthens the communities that rely on it.”
Campbell’s office noted that while some charities conduct their own fundraising, others hire professional solicitors who are required by law to register with the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). The AGO recommends donors ask whether a solicitor is paid and clarify how much of each donation goes directly to charity versus being retained by fundraisers.
The AGO encourages consumers to consult its Giving Wisely Advisory and Donating Dos and Don’ts: A Guide to Charitable Giving before contributing. These resources provide tips such as verifying a charity’s information, asking specific questions about where donations go, keeping records of all transactions, not feeling pressured into immediate donations, and using credit cards or checks rather than cash or debit cards for added security.
Under state law, public charities in Massachusetts must register with the AGO’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division and file annual reports. These documents are available online for public review and contain details about a charity’s operations and finances. Donors can also check with the IRS regarding tax-deductibility of contributions.
Individuals with questions or complaints about charitable solicitations are encouraged to contact the AGO’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division at 617-963-2101 or submit complaints online.
