This is the time of the year when a myriad of “not-for-profit” agencies reach out (some rather repeatedly) with pleas for donations or contributions. There is a short time window remaining for citizens to contribute to worthwhile community-focused agencies and claim a “tax deduction” when filing 2013 federal and state taxes.

PennLive/Patriot-News community columnist, Lloyd Sheaffer, wrote this in a recent column.

“Many, if not most, national and local charities are facing financial challenges; the reputable ones need support, certainly. I feel, however, that too many have ramped their efforts into overkill during this time of year to exploit the requisite generosity of the season; they have reached the point that too many of us have become numb to their solicitations.

“A great number of usually generous people now slit open the envelopes only to retrieve the dime distributed by the “March of” group or the nickel from some veterans’ organization. Even the ubiquitous return address labels go into the garbage; after all, emails offer no place to attach the pre-pasted stickers.

“Most households are so inundated with holiday appeals that it becomes hard to choose which ones to answer; the default choice is to support none of them.

“Select from the mountain of appeals those that you genuinely want to support and shred the rest. Next, arrange your choices in order of importance to you–either most-to-least or least-to-most will work fine.”

Columbia news, views & reviews fully supports thoughtful contribution to community organizations that bring benefit to projects that attend to the needs of the community and the assistance to the most vulnerable and those most in need.

There are numerous lists identifying  Columbia entities, organizations and agencies and their stated income. As you consider your year-end contributions and donations, you may want to refer to these lists of not-for-profits with Columbia addresses.

IRS DATABASE of Organizations Eligible to Receive Tax-Deductible Contributions

GUIDESTAR LIST of nonprofits (NOTE: Click on “Read Reviews” under the agency name to see income & expenses listed.)

NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHARITABLE STATISTICS

TAX EMEMPT WORLD

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE CHARITIES ONLINE DATABASE

Pennsylvania’s Department of State suggests these Tips on Charitable Giving

• Never give to a charity you know nothing about.
• Do not hesitate to request written information from the charity regarding its programs and finances.
• Don’t feel pressured into giving on the spot or allowing someone to come to your house to pick up the contribution.
• Never commit to donate over the phone unless you are familiar with the organization.
• Hang up the telephone on aggressive and harassing solicitors.
• Never give cash, credit card numbers, or bank account numbers; always write a check payable to the charity so you have record of your donations.
• Be wary of “guaranteed” sweepstake winnings in exchange for a contribution.  Participation in sweepstake offers is voluntary, and donors are in no better position to win the sweepstakes than non-donors.
• Ask who will benefit from your contribution.
• Find out if your contribution is tax-deductible.
• Don’t be fooled by a convincing name or one that sounds like the name of a well-known charity.
• Don’t make assumptions when you hear words like “police” or “firefighter” in an organization’s name.  Although an organization claims it has local ties or works with local police or firefighters, it doesn’t necessarily mean contributions will be used locally.
• Don’t feel guilty about not supporting all the charities that ask you for a contribution.
• If solicited in person, always ask to see the solicitor’s identification.
• Be aware of statements such as “every penny will go to the charity.”  All charities have expenses, so check carefully and know where your money goes.
• Find out if the charity is registered with the Bureau of Charitable Organizations by searching the online database or by calling toll-free: 1-800-732-0999.