Experts on charitable giving suggest that consumers check out philanthropic groups before pledging donations.

Tim Seiler, director of The Fund Raising School and public service at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, said to start by looking at a charity’s Web site and at copies of its annual reports.

He suggests that consumers look at:

• How well the organization is governed, including who serves on the board and how often it meets.
• Whether the organization has a well-thought-out plan for future activities.
• The percentage of donations that go to charitable purposes.

Seiler urges caution here, noting that the size of an organization, its history and the kind of work is does can affect overhead costs.

“And make sure the mission of the organization matches your personal values,” he advises.

Trent Stamp, executive director of Charity Navigator in Mahwah, N.J., which evaluates philanthropic groups, said consumers should be selective.

“The No. 1 reason people give to a particular charity is that the charity asks them for money,” he said. “That’s rewarding the pushiest, not necessarily the best.”

Stamp’s advice:

• Select the categories you’re interested in, such as animal rights or children’s issues or public education.
• Decide if you want to support groups that work internationally, regionally or locally.
• Determine if the group is “efficient and financially responsible.”

Stamp believes a solid charity should spend at least 75 percent of its revenue on charitable programs, should have at least six months of reserve funds in the bank and should show annual growth.

Consumers also may want to check out the charity’s privacy policy, Stamp said.