The giving season is in full swing — that period between Thanksgiving and New Year's when we're asked to give generously to those in need.

Here are some tips for giving wisely: how to research a charity, find information online and resist high-pressure pitches.

5 common mistakes

1. Donating money on the spur of the moment, responding to heavy pressure, an emotional appeal or the legitimate-sounding name of the charity.

Stop. Check it out before you give.

Experts recommend never giving to a charity you know nothing about. For starters, don't be fooled by an impressive-sounding name or one that resembles the name of a well-known organization.

Fund-raisers often use names similar to those of well-known charities to entice you to give. Others push you to give on the spot, even offering to send a "runner" to pick up your donation. Don't do it.

Request additional information in writing, study it and make sure you know how your money would be used.

2. Failing to ask basic questions.

What's the name and address of the charity soliciting donations? Is the charity registered or licensed with local and state authorities? How much of the donation goes toward programs? And in the case of paid commercial fund-raisers, how much money do they keep and how much goes to the charity?

It is not always easy to figure out the percentage of donor dollars spent on services because of the inconsistent quality of financial reporting by charities. Ask for specific info: the number of people served annually or the major program accomplishments.

3. Making a donation without a clear idea of what, exactly, your money will pay for.

Avoid charities with fuzzy program descriptions and those that won't respond to questions or won't send you additional information. Beware the telephone solicitor who says, "All proceeds will go to charity." This can mean just the money left over after expenses.

4. Giving a credit-card number to a telephone solicitor.

If you decide to give, write a check in the full name of the charity (not to the fund-raiser). Don't give your credit-card number to a telephone caller unless you initiated the call. Ask for identification if a solicitor comes to your door.

5. Feeling compelled to give because the charity gave a "free" gift — address labels, greeting cards or calendars, for example.

It is against the law for a charity to demand payment for unsolicited merchandise. You're not required to make a contribution to keep the gift. Be aware charities sending you unordered merchandise may be paying higher fund-raising costs overall.

The signs of a well-run nonprofit

• At least 60 percent of contributions go toward programs. The American Institute of Philanthropy recommends that, in most cases, 60 percent or more of your charitable donation should go to program services and less than 40 percent should be spent on general administration and fund-raising costs.

The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance has slightly higher standards: At least 65 percent of the charity's total expenses directed toward programs, and no more than 35 percent of contributions spent on fund-raising.

• The organization's mission and programs are clearly defined, with measurable goals and concrete criteria to describe its achievements.

• The charity is eager to share information with potential contributors and answers questions.

• The agency solicits donations in a way that is truthful and not misleading and accurately reports its finances without trying to obscure fund-raising expenses or overstate the amount spent on programs.

How to check out a charity

• Ask the charity itself. Get written materials — the latest annual report, most recent audited financial statements, a list of the board of directors and the mission statement should clearly spell out where its money comes from and how it is used.

• The Web site of the American Institute of Philanthropy, www.charitywatch.org, a Chicago-based nonprofit charity watchdog group, researches, evaluates and issues letter grades for charities nationwide.

The "Charity Rating Guide" rates about 500 major American charities. It provides information on each charity's percentage of funds spent on charitable purposes, its costs to raise $100 and its asset reserves. To receive a sample copy, send $3 to the American Institute of Philanthropy, 3450 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 2802E, P.O. Box 578460, Chicago, IL 60657. Phone: 773-529-2300.

The organization offers a portion of the guide free online.

• The Web site www.guidestar.org doesn't rate or evaluate charities, but it provides a free database of program and financial information about more than 1 million nonprofit organizations in the United States. Guidestar is based in Williamsburg, Va.

• The Better Business Bureau's wise-giving Web site, www.give.org, which recently rolled out a new online "Charity Reporting and Evaluation System," measures nonprofit agencies against 20 voluntary accountability standards. The BBB's Wise Giving Alliance says nationally, about two-thirds of charities meet its standards.

The local Western Washington/Oregon BBB offers additional information on locally based charities, online at www.thebbb.org.

Or call the bureau at 206-431-2222. A copy of the bureau's "Wise Giving Guide" costs $3.

• Click on "charities" at www.secstate.wa.gov to find out if a charity or commercial fund-raiser is registered with the state as required by law. Learn about state laws that govern how commercial fund-raisers and charities can solicit donations.

• You can file a complaint against a charity or commercial fund-raiser at www.atg.wa.gov/consumer/charity.shtml. Call the state attorney general's office at 800-551-4636 or file your complaint online: www.atg.wa.gov/consumer/forms

Sources: Better Business Bureau, the American Institute of Philanthropy, Guidestar and the Washington secretary of state's office.

Jolayne Houtz: 206-464-3122 and jhoutz@seattletimes.com