Through these wise giving tips, you can treat every day like Christmas morning, give generously, and have a life-changing impact on a neighbor in need through your favorite charitable organization.

In the holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” the main character − Ebenezer Scrooge − was a miser who hated Christmas. A visit from three spirits, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come led to Scrooge’s rebirth on Christmas morning, transforming him into a kinder, gentler man.

Unlike Scrooge, Tennesseans don’t need a visit from three spirits to remind them about the true meaning of the season.

National data suggests we are some of the most generous givers to charitable causes in the nation. This distinction comes with a warning − beware of those with bad intentions who would rather operate like cold-hearted misers, exploiting the goodwill and generosity of others.

Pay close attention to the charities to which you donate

Our office strives to help identify these Scrooges through a series of wise giving tips. The goal is to inform and educate consumers to ensure those deciding to give to one of the more than 11,000 active charitable organizations in Tennessee can have the greatest impact with their donation.

Tennesseans should do their research and ensure an entity is registered with the state through our website: https://sos.tn.gov/charities.

They should also say “Bah Humbug!”  to anyone pressuring them to give on the spot, ask questions about an organization’s mission, and determine who might benefit from a donation, and how much of their gift will support an individual or cause.

If you donate through an app or website, make sure all personal information provided as part of the process goes directly to the organization receiving your donation.

Opinion: Tennessee voters should avoid disinformation and rely on trusted information

Ask whether your contribution is tax-deductible and consider using a check or credit card for record-keeping purposes, instead of giving cash.

Lastly, pay close attention to the name of a nonprofit organization. Sometimes these entities have similar names, but that doesn’t mean they are associates − like Jacob Marley and Scrooge.

Tennessee can investigate and pursue violations of the law

Remember, the Division of Business and Charitable Organizations has the authority to investigate and impose civil penalties against groups that violate the Tennessee Charitable Solicitations Act.

If you have questions or concerns, or you think an entity is not operating in good faith, contact us at 615-741-2555.

Through these wise giving tips, you can treat every day like Christmas morning, give generously, and have a life-changing impact on a neighbor in need through your favorite charitable organization.

From all of us in the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office, we wish you a joyful holiday season, and to quote the most famous line from “A Christmas Carol” and the character Tiny Tim, “God bless us, everyone!”

Tre Hargett was elected by the Tennessee General Assembly to serve as the 37th secretary of state in 2009; he has been re-elected to this position in 2013, 2017, and 2021.