New N.J. app lets consumers investigate charities

    Thinking of donating to a charity but want to make sure your money makes it to the right place?A new app in New Jersey is meant to help consumers do that by making accessible the state’s database of the financial records of 26,000 charities and nonprofits.

    Organizations registered to solicit in the Garden State are featured in the Division of Consumer Affairs’ “Charity Lookup” Apple app.“When you look at the numbers you’ll learn some so-called charities dedicate only 10 or 20 cents of each donated dollar to actual charitable programs, and give the rest to fundraisers,” Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa said in his announcement. “Other organizations spend virtually every penny on worthwhile charitable projects. With this app we’ve made it easier than ever to know where your money will go, before you donate.”Consumers can download the app for free, type in the name of an organization and see its revenue and expenses.The app will soon be available for Android and other devices.

     

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