Christmas is a time of giving to family, friends, and charities, however, Mississippians donating to those in need this holiday season may want to research the charities they plan to give money to. The Secretary of State’s website said that people can research financial and other information about charities on their website.
“Our citizens are the most giving in the Nation, and many choose to donate this time of year,” said Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann. “We want to be a resource to make sure those generous donations reach those who need them and are not subject to fraud.”
Each year, the Secretary of State’s office publishes a Report on Charitable Organizations in Mississippi. The report outlines the financial information of charities registered in the State, (roughly 4,000) including the percentage of charitable funds actually spent by a charity for its charitable purpose.
Charities soliciting funds in Mississippi must be registered with the Secretary of State’s Office and consumer organizations recommend at least 65 percent of a charity’s total expenses be spent on program activities directly related to the charity’s purpose.
