Philanthropy Expert's TOP 10 TIPS for Smart Donors and Givers that Donate to Charities and Church

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(Free-Press-Release.com) September 20, 2008 -- COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Americans will donate over $300 billion dollars (http://www.kluth.org/graphsmedia.htm) to charitable and religious organizations this year.

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Philanthropy Expert's TOP 10 TIPS for Smart Donors and Givers that Donate to Charities and Church

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“With the on-going inquiries by US Senator Grassley into questionable financial and lifestyle practices of some religious leaderes and many people’s mail boxes flooded with donation requests, it is important to know how to make wise decisions in making charitiable contributions,” reports generosity expert, bestselling author, and speaker Dr. Brian Kluth. Kluth's www.MAXIMUMgenerosity.org website offers these TOP 10 TIPS, reminders and recommendations concerning making tax-deductible contributions to charitable and church organizations:

1. Avoid giving loose cash or cash in an unmarked envelope because it is not deductible and can more easily be stolen.

2. To give contributions electronically visit the organization’s website OR go to: www.networkforgood.org (this website allows you to give secure electronic donations to any organization on its list of over 1 million non-profit organizations and houses of worship).

3. Give your largest donations to organizations where you have visited their offices and/or you personally know and trust someone in the organization’s leadership.

4. Find out how much your favorite charities pays their top executives and how they spend their donations by reviewing their on-line 990 forms found at www.GuideStar.org.

5. Determine through the organization’s website, www.GuideStar.org, www.Forbes.com, and/or Google searches if the group has a track record of effectively serving people with the donations they receive. Be cautious about supporting organizations that spend a large percentage of their income on fundraising activities.

6. If you are a person of faith, make it a priority to generously support your local house of worship.

7. Call the organization and request they email or mail you a list of special projects and programs needing year-end funding. Also ask for a copy of their audited financial statements.

8. Be extremely cautious about giving money to any organization where there are verifiable reports of extravagant luxury lifestyles by leaders or any indication funds have been misused.

9. When supporting evangelical religious organizations, check the organization’s standing on the following websites: www.ecfa.org, www.Ministrywatch.com.

10. Make sure the purpose and values of the organizations you support match up with your personal beliefs and values.

Kluth said, “If you follow these guidelines in your giving decisions and you will give with greater confidence and your donations will be wisely used to help others.” Kluth recently authored the best selling book, 40 Day Spiritual Journey to a More Generous Life (www.GenerousLife.info) that is being used by churches across the country and around the world.

Source: Dr. Brian Kluth of www.MAXIMUMgenerosity.org. Brian Kluth is the author of the bestseller, 40 Day Spiritual Journey to a More Generous Life (320,000 copies in print and translations underway in 50 foreign languages). His website is ranked as one of the world’s leading websites on Christian giving. He has been interviewed by Kiplinger’s magazine, NBC-TV, CBN-TV, the Chronicle of Philanthropy, radio programs, newspapers, and magazines.

Contact information:
Dr. Brian Kluth
Cell: 719-930-4000
MAXIMUM Generosity
5201 Pinon Valley Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Email: bk@kluth.org
Websites: www.MAXIMUMgenerosity.org
www.GenerousLife.info
Co-creator of the “Financial Funnies” Cartoon Series www.kluth.org/cartoons.htm
For a FREE review copy of the www.GenerousLife.info booklet, email: bk@kluth.org

More information can be found online at http://www.kluth.org/rtir.htm

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