The holiday season is one of the most crucial times for charities. They count on our donations. But before you give, make sure the organization you're giving to is a reputable one.

"It is the time of year when charity donations are more important than ever for folks."

Last year, people across the country donated more than $300 billion to charities. Most of that came from individual donors.

But, with so many different charities out there, there is also plenty of room for fraud.

"It's your money; you're not getting anything for it except good feeling and knowing you're supporting something that's worthy. Therefore, they should be able to provide facts and information to you," said Pat Coakley of the Rochester Better Business Bureau.

The Better Business Bureau website, BBB is one place to start to get that information.

You can enter a charity's name and see if it meets BBB standards.
Those standards include...

• first
That the charity spends at least 65 percent of its total expenses on program activities
• second
That it's able to produce a financial statement
• third
And can show an annual report when requested


• fourth
That it can tell you where the money goes
• fifth
And who benefits from it ... and that when it comes to fundraising,
• sixth
Its solicitations are truthful and accurate.

"Urgency can be a problem. Anybody who really puts urgency in the matter like, 'I'll come pick up your check today,' or, 'You've got to get this to us immediately,' that's a red flag. Because once you do your research and feel comfortable in donating, that
charity is going to be very grateful for your donation when you make it," Coakley said.

You can also order a copy of the BBB's Wise Giving Guide, which contains all of this information.

Experts say you can still choose to donate to an organization that does not meet all of BBB's standards, but at least you have all the information you need before making that decision.


"The charities can't really operate without the goodness of our hearts and donations, but, and there's a big 'but' here, we want to
make sure folks are really doing their research, research, research and their homework - to make sure the charity they donate to is
worthwhile."