Schuette partners with nonprofits to help Michigan citizens make smart donations
The Michigan Nonprofit Association, Council of Michigan Foundations, Michigan Association of United Ways, and Attorney General Bill Schuette today unveiled a helpful resource designed to help Michigan citizens make smart decisions to support charities this holiday season, the annual Giving Wisely brochure.
"Generous Michigan residents help our friends and neighbors in need each year by supporting the work of many charitable organizations," said Schuette. "Giving Wisely offers practical tips to ensure your gifts will do the most good."
"Michigan Nonprofit Association worked with our colleagues to create a common-sense guide for charitable giving," said Donna Murray-Brown, President and CEO. "We want Michigan's citizens to be confident that their generosity is benefiting those that need it the most."
As the holiday season approaches and many charities begin year-end fundraising appeals, the free Giving Wisely handout offers timely and critical advice to anyone considering a donation. The guide informs Michigan citizens how best to avoid scams when making their charitable contributions and encourages donors to be cautious before donating online or in response to a phone solicitation.
Schuette noted many telemarking professional fundraisers keep as much as 85% of the donor's over-the-phone donation, so it's generally better to give directly to charities you know and whose missions you endorse. Giving Wisely reminds citizens to carefully consider which charities to financially support and encourages donating time and skills to engage with the charity's work in a practical, hands-on manner.
The Giving Wisely handout is available for download and can be read on the Attorney General's website, http://1.usa.gov/1zA0bT3, Michigan Nonprofit Association's website, www.mnaonline.org, and the Council of Michigan Foundations website, www.michiganfoundations.org.
Attorney General's Oversight of Charitable Organizations
Since taking office in 2011, Schuette has combatted charity fraud and helped to educate Michigan families and businesses to make the most of their generous donations through his Charitable Trust Section. In 2013, Schuette announced the publication of Michigan's first annual Professional Fundraising Charitable Solicitation Report, which found that charities collect an average of only thirty-five cents for every dollar raised by professional fundraisers soliciting donations in Michigan. The 2014 Professional Fundraising Report is available by visiting the "Charities" section of the Attorney General's website at www.mi.gov/agcharities. An updated version will be released in early 2015.
Before donating to charity, please feel free to call the Attorney General's Charitable Trust Section (517) 373-1152 to inquire about a charity or to confirm information that a charity has provided to you. You can also search for charities registered with the Attorney General online at www.mi.gov/agcharitysearch and learn more about Michigan charity law by visiting www.mi.gov/agcharities.