In the last several weeks, local papers have covered a story about how funds raised for innovative cancer research and crucial patient supportive services via The Prouty have been used instead to meet operational expenses at regional Cancer Center . The “whistle blower,” the head of the cancer center, was relieved of his job as a result and he is now suing the hospital.
With the holidays just around the corner, charities
are actively seeking funding and many households respond. So before you make a donation or participate in a fundraising event-
Consider the following:
• Check out websites like CharityWatch; Wise Giving Alliance; CharityNavigator; and
Charity Check. Give Well provides a more indepth analysis as they check
on what the charity’s impact has been. Note-This is not necessarily as straightforward as it
sounds. I tried to check on the Jimmy Fund, a registered non profit, as a
number of people locally participate in the Boston Marathon on their behalf.
Couldn’t fine them listed on any of these sites. Turns out they are under Dana
Farber. Some smaller programs may not make it on to one of these lists, but could
still be doing good work, so ask questions, check websites, talk to people who
may have more knowledge of an organization than you.
• Whether the solicitation comes via email, letter or
phone, it might not be easy to tell whether it's legitimate. The Federal Trade
Commission says these signs should make you suspicious:
* The “charity” can’t provide
details about how donations are used.
* The caller can’t provide
proof—like a Federal tax ID number—that it’s a qualified charity and that your
donation is tax-deductible.
* You're pushed to donate
immediately.
* You’re asked to wire a donation.
* You're thanked for a pledge you
never made to convince you that you already agreed to donate.
Unless it’s a charity you already subscribe to, do not
respond to electronic solicitations as there is a good chance it’s a scam. Read the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer
Information pamphlet “Before Giving to a Charity” for lots of helpful tips and
suggestions including how to report a Charity Scam.
• Educate yourself about “pink washing,” which is
the name given to heavy solicitation of funds for breast cancer, but in fact
applies to many other conditions, such as the red ribbon for AIDS. The Facadeof Breast Cancer Awareness, Susan G. Komen and the Pink Ribbon. is an
interesting read. Just because a product is pink-or another color associated
with a disease-doesn’t mean that your purchasing the product is actually going
to help fund research or help those affected.
• Unless it’s a local charity, check carefully before
doing walks, runs, bike-a-thons etc. Generally these events have high
administrative overhead, for every dollar you give or raise, a considerable
chunk will go towards administrative costs. The bigger the organization sponsoring
the walk, the more decisions about use of funds are made at corporate and may
not have a desired impact locally. However, these events give a wonderful
opportunity for people affected by a condition to gather, share stories and
support one another. As one advocate wrote, Walk
if you want to – it’s good for your health. If you want to be sure your walking
truly benefits people who are ill, walk to the nearest organization doing work
you admire on the issue and lend a hand. You can even hand them a check if
you’re so inspired.
Ways to
Help Other Than Giving Money
• Take
part in research studies. Check out ClinicalTrials.gov
• Donate
Tissue: This is particularly helpful in finding ways to prevent, diagnosis
and treat cancer. Tissue includes materials from your body such as skin, hair,
nails, blood and urine. For more information Providing Your Tissue forResearch: What You Need To Know
• Donate
blood and plasma. Can’t be a donor, offer to drive someone who can donate,
be a volunteer at a blood drive, or organize one.
•
Become an organ donor. Learn more about becoming an organ
donor at Organdonor.gov
• Provide
support by making a meal, driving someone to a medical appointment, being a
peer, being a friend
• Check
Employer Giving Policy: If you work for a company, particularly
a larger one, check with human resources to see if they regularly donate and if
they’d be interested in donating to your charity. Many companies like to
support causes that are important to their employees.
•
Volunteer: Condition specific organizations have many jobs that
need to be done. Make a call or stop by to see what you can do.
• Make
something you can donate-such as a pie or cookies for a bake
sale. Many organizations look for things like blankets, caps and clothing for
people that have various medical conditions such as Chemocaps. If you
are artistic or have a special skill, donate it as part of organization
raffles, silent auctions etc.
• Play
a Game-This is basically citizen science. Check out 6 Online Games That Help Researchers Find Cures
•
Become politically active by following legislation, national and
local, and taking an active part in the passage of bills that can help.
• Use
a charity credit card where rewards go to your favorite
charity.
• Shop
online using AmazonSmile that
donates. 0.5% of your purchase to your favorite charity. Good Shop is another
option.
• Share
your story. You never know who it will inspire
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