January 6, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE….
Guest Column of State Representative Gale Candaras
Total Word Count: 715
Contact: Candace Ouillette Gaumond @ 413.599.4785 or cgaumond@aol.com

PRUDENT CHARITABLE GIVING BEGINS
WITH LOCAL NON PROFITS - GIVE LOCALLY

Charity begins at home is an old and wise saying. Many of us consider giving but often are uncertain after hearing stories about identity theft and fundraising scandals. Unscrupulous telemarketers misappropriate our account information. Millions in charitable contributions have been stolen outright or squandered by high-living executives at some of the nation’s most venerable charities. We all want to ensure that our chosen charities actually get the money we give. We hesitate before giving, not quite sure what to do. Unfortunately, a recently released government report indicates we may have good reason to pause before writing that check.

State Attorney General Tom Reilly’s annual report on charities highlights the need for caution. He found that, on the average, just 26 cents of every dollar collected by professional fundraisers in Massachusetts actually went to the designated charities. A full 74 cents of each dollar raised went into the pockets of 90 professional fund raising organizations doing business in the State. Of the 623 charities reporting to his office in 2002, the A. G. found that only 25 per cent of these charities received 50 cents or more of each dollar raised. The A. G.’s findings reveal a significant disparity among charities, with some receiving as little as 1 cent on every dollar while others benefited from virtually every dollar donated.

Everyone wants the greatest possible percentage of each dollar donated to go to the charity they choose. The best way to make sure your donation reaches its target is to give locally! There are countless options for local giving. Neighborhood schools, senior centers, hospitals, libraries, shelters, parks, “Y”s, and other programs all provide important community services and are in dire need during these tough economic times; and, let’s not forget our service clubs and the many important, local initiatives they support through their fundraising efforts.

Here are some good reasons to give locally:

• Greater Benefit to the Charity: Local fundraising efforts are often run entirely by volunteers. These volunteers are people we know who donate their time and talent. Sponsors usually cover fundraising expenses. With no salaries or other overhead to pay, virtually all of the money you donate benefits the cause; and by donating locally, you encourage and honor the volunteers. Local charities are ideal choices for gifts of all sizes and, as you can see from the statistics in the A. G.’s report, giving even $5 to a local volunteer group can benefit real people far more than a larger donation given to a nationally recognized charity employing a professional fundraiser.

• Greater Accountability: Giving locally affords the donor the unique opportunity of talking to the volunteers about their goals and you may be able to actually visit the project or program and see the results of your gift, oftentimes without leaving your own neighborhood.

• Greater Personal Satisfaction: Giving locally enhances the likelihood that your money will help people in your community. Everyone knows a friend, neighbor, family member or young person who has benefited directly from local fundraising programs.

• Greater Privacy and Security: Local volunteers are only too happy to have you donate by check! You do not have to reveal credit card or other personal information. You can request that your gift remain anonymous and your request will be honored.

When you feel compelled to make a donation over the telephone to an organization with which you are not familiar, Attorney General Tom Reilly recommends you get the name and address of the fundraiser; and ask how much of each dollar goes directly to the charity. I recommend you refuse to charge your donation to a credit card. Tell the fundraiser you will donate by check or not at all. If you are not satisfied with the answers you receive, go back to plan “A.” Give locally!

You may contact State Representative Gale Candaras by writing to P.O. Box 937 Wilbraham, Massachusetts or by telephoning her State House Office at (617) 722-2520 or her District Office at (413) 599-4785. E-mail her at: gale.candaras@state.ma.us or gale@galecandaras.org