Warning: False information about charities is spreading on Facebook

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Following natural disasters like Irma, Harvey and the California wildfires, Americans show their true spirit as they come together to help those impacted by the natural disasters.

Donating money to charities is a great way to make a difference, but you really have to do your homework.

Warning: The information on this chart is not accurate!

People have been sharing a chart that lists “facts” about some of America’s most trusted charities, but there’s one problem — it’s just not true!

According to Snopes.com, the salary comparison of the top executives at several large charitable organizations is inaccurate and outdated.

The website says the false information listed below began circulating back in 2005.

False charity info

Goodwill even published an article to address the rumors, which are typically spread via email and then posted to various social media platforms.

This is an excerpt from Goodwill’s post that was updated in the spring of 2015:

Because we are widely known and respected as a network of nonprofits that fund job training and employment services through the sales of donated items in Goodwill stores, we sometimes stand in the line of fire from individuals and organizations who are misinformed and/or misrepresent us to the public.

This negative rumor mill continually resurfaces in the form of a now seven-year-old email that includes a variation of a message like this: “Think about these before you donate. As you open your pockets to do a good thing and make yourself feel good, please keep these facts in mind”¦”

The message then quotes erroneous information and salary figures for several nonprofit organizations’ chief executives, including a reference to a so-called “Goodwill CEO and Owner Mark Curran, who profits $2.3 million a year.” Jim Gibbons is the CEO of Goodwill Industries International. Learn more about him.

Clark: Do your own research before you donate

You can research your favorite charities and learn how much of your donation will go to the intended purpose (compared to how much will go to overhead) at Give.orgCharityWatch.org and CharityNavigator.org.

In the wake of Harvey and Irma, Clark recommends donating to the Salvation Army and American Red Cross.

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Read more: Helping storm victims: Make sure you know where your donation is going

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