donations

For over a century, the Salvation Army's red kettles have reminded holiday shoppers not to forget charity during the season of giving. But this year, you don't need cash on hand to give, because there's something new in the kettle: a card reader and a mobile donation app.

Election season is coming, and politicians across the spectrum are already hunting for campaigns contributions. But with the vast majority of political donations coming from lobbies, corporations, and the wealthy, does it make sense for average taxpayers to contribute?

With Thanksgiving still three weeks away, taxes are probably the last thing on your mind. Still, much as you might groan at the thought, there are some smart steps you can take between now and Dec. 31 that will make a real difference when it comes time to deal with the IRS next spring.

After falling off during the recession, donations to institutions of higher learning in 2010 recovered to the level they reached in 2006, but after adjusting for inflation, giving was still 8% lower than in that year, according to the Voluntary Support of Education survey.

It feels good to give to needy organizations, whether it's a homeless shelter or a firefighter's charity. But how would it feel to know that most of the money you donated went to the telemarketing company making the call? Oregon Attorney General John Kroger released a list of what he calls the 20...

'Tis the season to remember the less fortunate, and Jim Gibbons, CEO of Goodwill Industries, hopes his nonprofit will be on the receiving end as you make out your charitable giving list. With unemployment still hovering near 10%, his organization is serving more people than ever with aid, inexpensive goods and job training.

A Michigan man who set up fake collection boxes for missing children programs has been sentenced to serve six months in jail. According to the attorney general's office, Joseph Carr placed donation boxes at 88 retail locations across the Lansing area between February and June 2009 and collected...

General Motors Co., which is 61% owned by the U.S. government, resumed making political donations after an 18 month break. The company's political action donated a total $48,000 to Republicans and Democrats, with contributions going to figures including Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, and Rep. Dave...

I'm an admitted cheapskate. But like most parents, when it comes to my child, money is no object. Last year my daughter started kindergarten and I happily dug into my wallet and bought supplies every month or so for her classroom. The teacher who taught my little girl how to read at least deserved...

Forty of the richest people in the United States, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett among them, have challenged other magnates to match their largesse by pledging to leave half of their estate to charity on their demise. Our friends at Mint.com took a look at what this money could accomplish. Quite a...