Jefferson City, Mo. - Attorney General Chris Koster today cautioned Missourians to do their homework before giving to charities this holiday season to make sure their donations are used to help others, and not diverted toward exorbitant telemarketing and administration fees. In conjunction with the reminder, Koster released a list of "Missouri's 15 Worst Charities" that have operated or are operating in Missouri.
Ranking number one on "Missouri's 15 Worst Charities" list is the Missouri Chapter of the United States Navy Veterans Association, which is no longer in operation. The organization once collected charitable donations to provide assistance to disabled and needy war veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Koster said of the $5.9 million the charity collected over the reporting period, only 1 percent was used for the charitable cause. Number two on the list - still in operation - is Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP), which collects donations to educate teenagers on the effects of alcohol. LEEP collected $1.8 million in the reporting period and used only 2.22 percent for charitable services. View the complete 15 Worst Charities list.
Koster said charities are required to file periodic financial reports with his office and the IRS explaining how they spend donations. Under guidelines developed by the Better Business Bureau, at least 65 percent of funds collected by charities should go to charitable programs. The list developed by the Attorney General's Office represents the 15 charities that fell farthest from those guidelines.
"Missourians are by nature very generous," Koster said. "And although most charities do wonderful work, some actually do very little to help those they claim to support. Before giving, go to our website at http://www.ago.mo.gov/ and click on Check-a-Charity to make sure the charity you are considering uses at least 65 percent of its donations for charitable programs."
Koster also said consumers should never make a decision on giving during a telemarketing call. Insist on written information by mail; and don't give out personal information such as credit card, bank account, or Social Security number, to anyone who contacts you by phone or e-mail. In addition, don't give in to pressure or guilt. Give only when you are comfortable and when all of your questions have been answered to your satisfaction.
