About the AG

  • Subscribe to the AG's RSS Feed
  • Join the AG's FaceBook
  • Follow the AG on Twitter
  • View the AG's YouTube Channel
  • Translate the website with Google Translate

Giving Wisely

Money

Additional Resources:

Learn more about specific charities by using the Attorney General's Registry Search on this website.

The key to wise giving is to become informed about a charitable organization before you write your check or donate your time. Key questions to ask and factors to consider about a charity before making a donation include:

Checklist for Donors

  • When solicited for charity, DO:

    • Learn about the organization, its activities and fundraising practices.
    • Review the charity’s financial disclosure reports.
    • Ask if the solicitor is being paid to solicit.
    • Ask what percentage of donations being raised is paying for fundraising expenses.
    • Ask for written information about the charity.
    • Call the charity directly.
    • Confirm a law enforcement agency appeal.
    • Watch out for copycat or similar- sounding names.
    • Avoid tax confusion: Know the difference between “tax-exempt” and “tax-deductible.”
    • Beware of meaningless terms to suggest that a charity is tax-exempt.
    • Consider the cost when buying merchandise or tickets for a “fundraising” event, or when receiving free goods in exchange for a donation to charity.

  • When solicited for charity, DON’T

    • make cash donations or give your credit card number to anyone.
    • make a donation if you feel uncomfortable about the pitch or feel you are being threatened. Just hang up the phone, shut the door, or walk away.

For additional information regarding these tips and donor guidance in general, please review our Guide to Charitable Giving for Donors.

Public Notice

Change in Raffle Reporting Requirements

A single aggregate report for all raffles held during the reporting year is due on or before October 1st. The Nonprofit Raffle Report (Form CT-NRP-2) must be used by all organizations, regardless of the number of raffles held. Precise record-keeping is required as reports that include estimates of proceeds and expenses will not be accepted for filing.

Organizations that host raffles as part of a larger fundraising event must maintain a record of raffle proceeds and expenses separate from all other event monies and report only raffle proceeds and expenses on Form CT-NRP-2.

There is no fee associated with filing the Nonprofit Raffle Report.

Charities

Filing a Complaint

Have a complaint against a charity? Please use our complaint form, pdf. Mail the completed form and any attachments to:

  • Registry of Charitable Trusts
  • Office of the Attorney General
  • P.O. Box 903447
  • Sacramento, CA 94203-4470

Megan's Law

California Registered Sex Offender Database

Search Now

Megan's Law information is also available in these languages:

Site Navigation

Translate Website

  • Google™ Translation Disclaimer

This Google™ translation feature is provided for informational purposes only.

The Office of the Attorney General is unable to guarantee the accuracy of this translation and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information resulting from the translation application tool.

Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business.

If you have any questions please contact:Bilingual Services Program at (916) 324-5482

A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page.

Select a Language Below / Seleccione el Idioma Abajo

Close this box or use the [ X ]