Make Your Tsunami Donations Count

The terrible suffering of tsunami victims has prompted many of us to dig into our wallets to donate money to lend a hand.

But how can we be sure the money gets put to the best use, and doesn't get into the wrong hands?

That's what The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm asked Art Taylor, the president of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

"It's very easy to be overcome by emotion at this time and not really concentrate on giving to the right organization that can actually deliver the kind of relief that we want for the victims," Taylor cautioned.

He says it's valuable to take time to research these groups. One place to do that is the Wise Giving Alliance Web site, which has a wealth of information on how to pick a charity. The site also evaluates a number of the organizations involved in the relief effort.

You could also click here to get a CBSNews.com rundown of groups.

Taylor advises that, "You should always get written information before you donate, either off of a Web site or by having them send you information in the mail. There is a lot more information about organizations out there than people realize, but you have to ask questions."

In this case, says Taylor, experience counts: "Experienced charities matter in relief efforts. It's very difficult to deliver the support to people in these areas, and so organizations that have a track record will rise above some of the newer organizations that have been just created to do this."

What should you find out before donating? "We want to know if they're delivering relief in the way that's appropriate for us," Taylor points out. "Some of us may want to give items. Some of us may want to support longer-term needs such as rebuilding of schools and roads. All of these things are going to need help over time, so we have to choose how we want to help and then pick an organization that will give us that type of help."

Taylor urges you not to give cash: "Normally, scam organizations don't like to have checks given to them. Cash is harder to trace, obviously. So checks can be traced and so you have a much better chance of giving to a legitimate organization if you're giving by check."

As for telemarketers, Taylor says you have to "realize that telemarketing is the most expensive type of fundraising out there. Very little of the money will actually end up in the organization. So if you're called by an organization over the phone, give it to them directly and not through a telemarketer."

Donating online requires extra precautions, Taylor says. "When you click to donate, you should make sure that the URL actually goes somewhere and that the browser names aren't hidden. Many (disreputable) organizations will take the names of some well-known charities and create Web pages so that the money can go to them, rather than the charities that you think they're going to."

To assure your donations are tax deductible, says Talor, make sure the organization is registered to accept donations with the IRS and registered with the state attorney general's office in that particular state.

Another thing to remember: Check with your company because it might be matching your donation. "Many companies have employee matching gift programs," Taylor says. "So you can almost double your gift in some cases if you check with your company and make sure they're matching gift programs."