Donating to charities through Facebook has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many charities have set up Facebook donation pages that allow users to give directly on the social media platform. This convenience makes it easy for people to support causes they care about. However, it also raises questions around the safety and security of these donations. Here are some key things to consider when donating to a charity on Facebook:
The legitimacy of the charity
When donating through Facebook, it’s important to verify that the charity is real and reputable. Avoid pages that seem suspicious or unfamiliar. Look for established charities that have a strong web presence outside of Facebook. Do some research on the mission, programs, leadership, and financials of the charity before deciding to donate. Reputable charities will provide this information on their websites.
The security of your personal information
Only donate through pages that use secure payment platforms. Look for the lock icon in the URL bar or “https” at the beginning of the web address. This means your connection is encrypted. Avoid entering payment information on pages that seem insecure. Also be cautious of messages or emails asking you to donate through unfamiliar means.
Who sees your donation
When you donate on Facebook, your friends and followers may see posts about your donation through notifications or news feeds. Your name, photo, and a note about your donation may be automatically generated. If you prefer to keep your giving private, donate directly through the charity’s website instead of Facebook.
Hidden fees
Facebook does not charge fees to charities for receiving donations through their platform. However, there are typically credit card processing fees of 2-3% for online transactions. Make sure you understand whether the amount displayed is the exact amount that will reach the charity or if fees are deducted first.
Tax receipts
To claim a tax deduction for charitable donations over $250, you need a receipt from the nonprofit. Make sure the charity provides a receipt when you donate through Facebook. You may need to proactively request this if it is not automatically provided.
Pros of donating to a charity on Facebook
Convenience
Donating through Facebook allows you to quickly support a cause you care about while browsing the platform. You don’t have to visit an external website or retrieve your credit card. The simplified donating experience means you can act on your desire to give on the spot.
Leveraging your network
On Facebook, your friends and followers may see that you’ve supported a cause. This social component can inspire others in your network to also get involved and donate. Some Facebook donation pages even allow you to set up a fundraising campaign to raise money from your network.
Trust in established brands
Many major charitable organizations like United Way, American Red Cross, and American Cancer Society use Facebook as a platform to receive donations. People may feel more trusting of the experience since it involves large, well-known nonprofits.
Wider audience for charities
Charities can reach supporters where they already spend time – on social media. A Facebook presence allows nonprofits to find new audiences and make their work discoverable to people who may not visit their external sites.
Cons of donating to a charity on Facebook
Security and privacy concerns
Despite Facebook’s security measures, some users have concerns around privacy and safely transmitting financial information through the platform. The convenience also means fewer steps to vet the legitimacy of a charity before donating.
Diversion from a charity’s mission
More time spent by nonprofits posting on social media means fewer resources devoted to on-the-ground programs and services. Some worry donations through Facebook distract charities from their core missions.
Less formal donor acknowledgement
Donors who give through a charity’s website often receive thank you emails, mailed receipts, or phone calls. The acknowledgment can be more meaningful. With Facebook donations, most of the interaction takes place online.
Harder to track donations
When donating directly through a nonprofit’s website, the gift is connected to your donor record. Facebook donations may be harder to track and recap at tax time or year-end unless receipts are requested.
Higher volume of small gifts
Facebook tends to facilitate more small, one-off donations. Nonprofits miss out on opportunities to build deeper relationships with supporters that lead to transformed giving over time.
Tips for safe and effective donating through Facebook
Research the charity first
Take time to learn about a charity before donating through Facebook. Verify their reputation and that they have safeguards in place around use of funds. GuideStar, Charity Navigator, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance are helpful resources.
Look for the lock icon and “https”
Only complete transactions through secure Facebook pages that use encrypted connections to safely transmit your data. Avoid any pages that look unsecure.
Visit the main charity website
After locating a charity on Facebook, visit their main organizational website as well. This gives you a better sense of their full work and opportunities to engage.
Consider recurring monthly donations
Rather than one-time gifts, commit to an ongoing monthly donation through Facebook. This provides charities with a sustained source of support rather than spikes in giving.
Ask about fees
Make sure you know whether the donation amount displayed is the exact amount the charity will receive. Facebook does not charge fees, but credit card processors typically do.
Request a receipt
To claim your donation for tax purposes, follow up to request a receipt from the charity if one is not automatically provided through Facebook.
Give through a charity’s website when possible
When convenient, donate directly through a nonprofit’s own website rather than Facebook. This allows for a more formal acknowledgement and makes it easier to track your history of support.
The verdict on donating to charities through Facebook
Donating to charities through Facebook can be a fast, convenient way to give. However, it also comes with concerns around security, fees reducing donations, and less formal relationships with supporters. Due diligence is required to ensure your donation reaches a reputable charity and that your personal information remains protected.
With some smart precautions – like researching the charity, only donating through secure pages, asking about fees, and requesting a receipt – you can safely give through Facebook. However, for the most formal experience and deepest relationship with a cause, donating directly through a nonprofit’s website is ideal.
Facebook provides a quick way for charities to increasereach and receive spur-of-the-moment donations. But nonprofits should be careful not to overly rely on Facebook rather than more purposeful fundraising efforts. Utilized properly alongside other strategies, Facebook can be a useful part of a modern charity’s overall fundraising mix.
Key Takeaways
– Verify a charity is legitimate before donating through Facebook. Look for established organizations with reputable leadership and financials.
– Only donate through secure Facebook pages. Look for “https” and the lock icon in the web address.
– Be aware donations on Facebook often default to public posts seen by your friends. Keep this in mind if you prefer private giving.
– Make sure you understand exactly how much of your gift the charity will receive after any credit card fees.
– Request a tax receipt from the charity if one is not automatically provided through Facebook.
– Consider monthly recurring donations through Facebook rather than one-time gifts.
– When possible, donate directly through the charity’s website for a more formal experience.
– Research tips for safe Facebook donating so you can give confidently.