Los Angeles : The earthquake devastation in Japan has many worldwide aftershocks. For Angelenos and others, one result is a rise in charitable appeals to Angelenos from unfamiliar charities. The always difficult task of selecting charities becomes even more complicated.
The Charitable Services Section of the Los Angeles Police Commission advises Angelenos to do their homework-- Give, but Give Wisely. In Los Angeles, certain tools can make it easier to research charities.
Research should include identifying the nonprofits' services and the proportion of donations they apply to administrative costs. Avoid becoming a victim of charitable fraud and take the following steps:
Ask to see the charities' Police Commission Information Cards. Certain nonprofits should possess one Card for general appeals and one for each special event.
The Los Angeles Municipal Code relates to IRS designated 501(c) 3 nonprofits and others who solicit on behalf of these nonprofits. Under the tax code, the donations are tax-deductible.
This card contains such information as the charities' contact names, the dates the Card expires, and the revenue and expenses the charity reported for a similar past event.
Mailed solicitations must include a copy of the Information Card . Evaluate the charity . Answer the following questions before donating:
• Are the charity's expenses uncomfortably high? How much revenue goes toward the cause itself. The Information Card contains the results of similar past events. Also, ask the charity for a financial statement or check its federal Form 990.
• Is the charity legitimate? Check with the Charitable Services Section and on the Internet for the organization's Web site and the State of California Attorney General's office (see below for Web Site).
• Is the solicitor legitimate? Does the solicitor possess a valid Information Card? Contact the charity to verify the solicitor. Beware of sound-a-likes – check with the agency they claim to represent. Alert your local police station if they are soliciting illegally.
• Will the charity take noncash payments? It is highly recommended that you donate with a check or credit card. However, it is best not to give any personal information over the telephone. |
Contact the Police Commission Charitable Services Section The Police Commission Charitable Services Section is here to assist with your questions about this event and throughout the earthquake and relief efforts in Japan. The section may be reached at 213 996-1260.
For further information about Giving Wisely or the Los Angeles Municipal Code ordinance governing charities, visit the Charitable Services Section Web site at www.lapdonline.org . Search for “charitable” and click on “charitable services section.”
Use other Online Resources. For instance, the California State Attorney General's Web site at www.ag.ca.gov has additional information regarding your charity.
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