December 18, 2008 — Professional fundraisers kept an average of 65 cents from every dollar they raised for charities last year, according to an annual report released this week by the Massachusetts attorney general’s office.

The Report on Professional Solicitations for Charity in 2007 is designed to assist citizens of Massachusetts to make informed decisions regarding their charitable giving by providing the public with information regarding how much of every dollar raised by a campaign ends up with a given charity.

“Many charities rely on professional solicitors to bolster their fundraising abilities, but it’s important for the public to have access to data that can help them make informed decisions about donating,” said Attorney General Martha Coakley.

“Donors should do their homework before writing a check or donating online to their favorite cause, and also feel comfortable asking some basic questions about where their money is going when they are contacted by a professional solicitor.”

After taking a fee for their services, professional solicitors give the charities they work for an average of 35 cents from every dollar raised.

Based on information gathered from the campaigns that registered with the attorney general in 2007, the report found:

• Of the 621 solicitation campaigns reported, 18% (113 campaigns) resulted in the charitable organization receiving 50% or more of their campaign’s gross revenue.

• Twelve percent of campaigns (74) resulted in the charity receiving between 40% and 49% of the gross revenue.

• Fourteen percent of campaigns (89) resulted in the charity receiving between 30% and 39% of the gross revenue.

• Ten percent of the campaigns (63) resulted in the charity receiving between 20% and 29% of the gross revenue.

• Fifteen percent of the campaigns (91) resulted in the charity receiving between 10% and 19% of the gross revenue.

• Eighteen percent of the campaigns (109) resulted in the charity receiving less than 10% of the gross revenue. In addition to looking at the results of the report, potential donors should also consider asking some basic questions when they are contacted by a professional solicitor, the attorney general suggested. This includes asking how much of every dollar donated will go to the charity and requesting confirmation of the charity’s name and the services it offers to the public.
  
  The attorney general’s office also maintains annual financial statements from charities and professional solicitors that operate in this state, which are available for public inspection.