December 2007 (Denver, CO) - It's the most wonderful time of the year. That's what many of those who run charitable organizations might say about the period that includes Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as the end of the tax year. Since the end of September, more than $15 billion in revenue and more than $33 billion in assets has been raised for Colorado's registered 19,240 charities, foundations and service organizations this year, according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics.

That figure will greatly increase as many charities receive 50 precentof their contributions in the last quarter of a calendar year and a whopping 40percent of that figure being in December alone.

"It will be interesting to see how 2007 wraps up for charitable giving. The last three years, we have seen significant increases each year in giving on a national level - record setting numbers," said Sarah Harrison, President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

"Last year, the urgent needs created by three major natural disasters - the tsunami in Asia, earthquake in Pakistan and hurricanes Rita, Katrina and Wilma - drove American philanthropy to its highest level since the end of the technology boom.

When there is a very significant need, when people are clearly aware of that need, they will respond and there is a trickle down effect because the disasters raise public awareness of other charities."

Unfortunately, a portion of the money that is donated this gift-giving season, may be misused or end up in the pockets of fraudulent solicitors. With more than 700,000 federally recognized charities soliciting for charitable contributions, it pays to be cautious when making a donation. Colorado's chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals encourages individuals to consider key points prior to making a charitable contribution this season:

• Identify a cause whose mission you would like to support.

• Conduct research and ensure the organization is legitimate and well-operated.

• Ask the charity how much or what percentage of the donation will directly benefit the organization's programs.

• Certain well-known charities such as the Red Cross will never solicit donations over the phone.

• Verify the charity's disclosure and financial statements on the Secretary of State's website.

• Be wary if the charity does not want to provide information about its programs and finances. Reputable charities will gladly provide the information requested.

• Know your budget and how much you can afford.

• Discuss the donation with a trusted family member or friend before committing the funds.

• Do not pay in cash - donate by check made payable to the charity. Ask for a receipt showing the amount of the contribution and stating that it is tax-deductible.

• Ensure donations are tax-deductible-some organizations use the term "tax-exempt" and "tax deductible" interchangeably, but they are not the same. Tax-exempt refers to the status of the charitable organization, and does not necessarily mean that contributions are tax-deductible.

• Don't miss the year-end deadline-individuals who need a deduction for tax year 2007 should make sure their charitable donations are postmarked by December 31. The postmark is the key to your deduction not the date on the check or the date a security certificate is signed over.

"Your charity dollars are an investment in our community, the nation and the world. It's wise to use just as much caution when making your charitable giving decisions as you do when making other decisions affecting your overall financial picture," said Harrison.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents nearly 28,000 members in more than 190 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. Colorado's chapter consists of more than 250 members from charities across the state. The association fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession. For more information on how to become a member, please contact info@afpcc.com.