As Hawaiʻi residents organize resources and solicit donations on crowdfunding platforms to help victims of the recent Kona Low storms and floods, the Tax & Charities Division within the Department of the Attorney General is reminding the public to carefully research before donating to or creating fundraising events.
Residents are encouraged to take a moment before making a donation to verify the status of the charity through these online resources:
- Hawaiʻi Attorney General: https://charity.ehawaii.gov/charity/welcome.html
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search: https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/
- Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org/
- DCCA Business Search: https://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/search.html
The public may also visit the Federal Trade Commission website for detailed tips on how to avoid scammers when donating to crowdfunding campaigns through social media platforms. In addition, the department encourages everyone to:
- Find out who is behind the crowdfunding request and donate only to campaigns organized by people you know.
- Pay attention to who is asking for and receiving the money. Check where the donation link leads and confirm with the person who posted it that they know the charity or fundraiser organizer.
- Ensure the fundraiser provides clear information about:
- Where your money goes. Who is receiving my donation?
- Fees. Will the fundraiser take any fees from my donation?
- Timing. When will the charity receive my donation?
- Follow-through. What will happen to my donation if it can’t be sent to the charity I chose?
- Your information. Will my information be shared with the charity or anyone else?
Individuals or businesses seeking to organize a fundraising event on behalf of a charity are reminded to comply with requirements to obtain a written consent from the charity before conducting a fundraiser. Written consent forms may be submitted to the Department of the Attorney General by using the online form provided here.
Charities should also conduct due diligence to ensure they are aware of and have approved fundraising events conducted on their behalf. Charities are also reminded to comply with registration requirements with the Department of the Attorney General prior to soliciting donations in Hawaiʻi. More information and details about the registration requirement can be found on the Tax & Charites Division website.
AP Photo