What if Tiny Tim was actually a perfectly healthy and mobile child, but his parents pimped him out as an endearing charity case?

What if Tiny Tim was actually a perfectly healthy and mobile child, but his parents pimped him out as an endearing charity case suffering from … I don’t know what (but here are some ideas)? No one could blame Ebenezer Scrooge for holding onto his money if he couldn’t even trust ol’ Bob!

Misuse of charitable funds isn’t the stuff of classics, but unfortunately it occasionally happens among the throngs of organizations collecting donations this season. It’s important to find out who you can trust when it comes to charities, because your time and money can make a difference in the right hands.

Here are some tips for making the most of your giving:

• Remember that only charitable gifts given by Dec. 31 qualify for tax deductions for this calendar year
• Human services charities, which serve people in need (whereas many charities are for organizations like museums), lose the most donors during tough economic times. They also see the biggest increase in need during hard times; so consider giving to  a reputable HS charity
• Research and be comfortable with how programs work. Don’t assume. There’s been some recent discord concerning Kiva, a micro-lending organization, after they made it clear that donors are not lending directly to entrepreneurs in developing countries, but rather paying back Kiva for lending to the entrepreneurs. Details like this may matter to you, and they may not! The important thing is that you understand and agree with a charity’s policies.  Here Beau from Walletpop.com explains why he still supports Kiva
• Review charities on CharityNavigator.com or American Institute of Philanthropy’s Charity Watch. Here you can check out where donations go, as well as find tell-tale information like the salary each organization’s director.

• Along with a background check, CharityNavigator.com suggests you ask these six questions before you pull out your wallet:

1. Can the charity clearly communicate who they are and what they do?
2. Can the charity define their long-term and short-term goals?
3. Can the charity tell you the progress it has made (or is making) toward its goal?
4. Does the charity’s program make sense to you?
5. Can you trust the charity?
6. Are you willing to make a long-term commitment to the charity?

Some unconventional ways to give:

• Does the growing national debt upset you? Do something about it. Click here to read more. You can actually send the government a check to help cover national debt!
• In some cities you can now donate to the Salvation Army by credit card . Crazy, right? Expect to card readers next to the red buckets in a city near you soon, as the plastic option has increased giving in test cities
• Of course you can give even when you’re broke. Look out for local blood drives, or volunteer your time at a church, shelter or other non-profit organization

Do you have  a favorite charity? What makes you trust them? Or maybe you’ve run across some shady practices. Post your recommendations and comments below!