TOPEKA, KS- Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh reminds Kansans to check www.kscharitycheck.org before they give to a charitable organization.

"I encourage all Kansans to research solicitations by charitable organizations before making the decision to give. While most charitable solicitations are valid, all too often only a fraction of the money donated ends up in the hands of the charity," stated Thornburgh.

The Web site includes a search feature that allows users to search the approximately 2,963 charitable organizations registered in Kansas; determine the amount of money raised by the charitable organization; the percentage of money the organization uses for fund raising expenses; and the amount of money the organization contributes to the charitable purpose. The same information can be obtained from the Secretary of State's office by calling 1(785)296-4564.

Kansas Charity Check is provided by a partnership between the Secretary of State's office, Attorney General's office and the Department of Aging to promote and encourage informed decisions when contributing to a charitable organization.

Kansas law requires most charitable organizations, and the professional fund-raisers and solicitors who work for them, to register with the Kansas Secretary of State. The registration provides public information regarding operations, solicitation costs, and the net amount donated to the charitable purpose.