On this Giving Tuesday, make sure your donations are safe, secure

CONCORD - Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald and Director of Charitable Trusts Thomas Donovan announced on Monday steps New Hampshire donors can use to protect themselves while giving to charitable organizations on "Giving Tuesday" today.

More than 10,000 organizations file annual reports with the Charitable Trust Unit. A list of registered charities that are in good standing is available here: www.doj.nh.gov/charitable-trusts. Contact the Charitable Trusts Unit if you have questions or concerns about a charitable organization at (603) 271-3591 or by email charitabletrusts2@doj.nh.gov.

Many people choose to make their Giving Tuesday donations online. Protect your charitable donation by following these steps:

· Research the organization before making a donation. Check out its website. Make sure you are giving to a legitimate charity and the donation is being used wisely. There are reports and ratings available here for larger charities: www.give.org, www.charitywatch.org, www.guidestar.org, www.charitynavigator.org.

· Beware of organizations whose names look like other legitimate, well-known charities. Some organizations that appear to be charities are really political action committees.

· Make sure you understand the process and the fine print and what fees are collected along the way to delivering the funds to your charity.

· Donating online, through a secure website using a credit card is likely safer than providing information over the phone. Most charities have a "donate" button on their website.

About the Charitable Trust Unit:
In 1943, New Hampshire became the first state to create an office dedicated to the oversight of charitable trusts and organizations. Today, the mission of the Charitable Trusts Unit (CTU) is to protect the public's interest in the organizations and assets committed to charitable purposes in New Hampshire. We do this through effective registration, education and enforcement.