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SOS Website Serves as Resource to Vet Disaster Relief Charities
Jackson, Miss.—Donors seeking information about the registration and financial practices of many disaster relief charities need look no further than the Secretary of State’s website.
“In recent weeks, Mississippians have come out in full force to help friends and neighbors in the Pine Belt who were devastated by the recent storms and tornado,” Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said. “We want to help ensure every generous donation reaches those who need it the most by providing information about charities involved in disaster relief efforts.”
Charities soliciting funds in Mississippi, with some exceptions, must be registered with the Secretary of State’s Office (http://charities.sos.ms.gov/online/portal/ch/page/charities-search/Portal.aspx).
Each year, the Agency publishes a Report on Charitable Organizations in Mississippi. The report outlines the financial information of charities registered in the State, including the percentage of charitable funds actually spent by a charity for its charitable purpose. The Council of Better Business Bureaus recommends at least 65% of a charitable organization’s total expenses be spent on program activities directly related to the organization’s purpose.
Religious institutions and organizations which are instrumentalities of government, such as the American Red Cross, are not required to register with the Secretary of State’s Office.
For more information, call the Charities Division at (601) 359-1599 or www.sos.ms.gov/charities/.
