Charity Fraud
Carla Rivera’s incisive article, “United Way Scandal Puts Charities Under Scrutiny” (March 30), reveals the compelling reasons why uniform reporting guidelines and standardized registration procedures are urgently needed for charity solicitation in our community.
Charities for Truth in Giving is a consortium of nonprofit organizations established in 1988 to address these concerns. United Way of Orange County has taken an active and supportive role in the efforts of our task force to improve methods for validating charity requests.
A new “Charitable Organization Solicitations Law” is currently being proposed by our task force. Based upon a national model, this law would require annual registration for charitable organizations and professional solicitors. A Charity Information Center would serve as a clearinghouse for public information and enable donors to verify causes prior to making contributions. Funding will be provided by registration fees and corporate and foundation grants.
If the new ordinance is adopted, Orange County will be able to detect and prevent charitable fraudulent activities and ensure that contributions reach their intended beneficiaries.
BONNIE S. GILLMAN
Coordinator
Charities for Truth in Giving
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