Attorney General Maura Healey advises Massachusetts residents to make informed decisions when donating to charities that support people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing humanitarian crisis.
AG Healey recommends that residents take the following steps to make smart and impactful charitable contributions to support those who have been affected:
• Give to charities you know and can trust: Well-established charities with experience in the cause you are seeking to support, and organizations established with support from government agencies can be good places to donate. The AG’s Office maintains annual financial reports from charities and professional solicitors that operate in this state, which are available for public inspection online. You may also wish to review an organization’s federal Form 990 on the IRS website.
• Check the charity’s website: If you are contributing over the internet, make sure that the website you are visiting belongs to a legitimate and established charity. Be advised that most crowdfunding sites are not charities and many typically take a percentage of your donation as a fee.
• Ask lots of questions: How much of the money goes to the charity and how much to a professional fundraiser? Ask if your contribution is tax deductible and what the charity intends to do with any excess contributions that might remain after the victims’ needs are addressed.
• Beware of social media posts or emails soliciting donations to…
