New York Attorney General Letitia James has released the annual “Pennies for Charity: Fundraising by Professional Fundraisers” report, which reviews data from 2024 charitable fundraising campaigns conducted by professional fundraisers. The report is intended to inform both donors and charities about how much of their donations are used for charitable purposes and to provide guidance on responsible giving.
“New Yorkers give generously to charities to support causes they care about, and they should know that their donations are being used responsibly,” said Attorney General James. “Every year my office releases the Pennies for Charity report to help New Yorkers understand where their donations are going. Ahead of the holiday giving season, I encourage everyone to consult my office’s tips for charitable giving to avoid scams and ensure that their hard-earned money is being used for good.”
The state has more than 102,000 registered charities. Many of these organizations hire professional fundraisers, who must register with the Charities Bureau and submit financial reports on their campaigns. The latest report analyzed results from 588 campaigns run in 2024.
Findings show that professional fundraisers kept about a quarter of every dollar raised—over $395 million went toward fees and expenses. Charities received 75 percent of donations, which is a decrease from the previous year when they received 83 percent. About half of all campaigns resulted in less than half of the funds raised going to the charity itself. Additionally, in roughly 18 percent of campaigns, expenses were higher than revenue, costing charities more than $20 million.
To assist donors during the holiday season, the report offers several recommendations:
– When contacted by telemarketers, ask questions regarding their identity and compensation.
– Verify any organization requesting donations through direct mail.
– Research online donation platforms before contributing.
– Ensure websites are secure before entering payment information.
– Be cautious with email solicitations containing links or attachments.
The Office of the Attorney General encourages individuals to use its Pennies for Charity database and searchable registry to check a charity’s fundraising record and financial reports. Suspected fraud or misrepresentation can be reported directly to the OAG’s Charities Bureau via email or phone.
The report was prepared by members of the Charities Bureau along with staff from other departments within the Office of the Attorney General.
