LANSING — The Michigan Nonprofit Association, Council of Michigan Foundations, Michigan Association of United Ways, and Attorney General Bill Schuette announced this week release of their annual “Giving Wisely” brochure, a resource to help Michigan donors make wise charitable gifts this holiday season.

“Today is Giving Tuesday, and I know that Michigan residents are opening their hearts and their wallets to donate to charitable organizations,” Schuette said. “The generosity of Michigan residents is why we publish ‘Giving Wisely’ each year. It is a way to remind Michigan residents to think before they give. This gives donors peace of mind and ensures that their donations reach worthwhile organizations.”

Over the holidays, charitable giving increases and many charities begin their end of the year fundraising appeals.

The free “Giving Wisely” handout provides timely and critical advice to anyone considering a donation, according to those associated with it.

The resource informs Michigan citizens on protecting personal and financial information and donating safely online, and it cautions citizens to be wary of aggressive or misleading fundraising phone calls.

“Giving Wisely” also reminds citizens to choose carefully which charities to support financially and encourages donating time and talents to charity. The “Giving Wisely” handout is available for download and can be read on the Attorney General’s website at michigan.gov/AG.

Since taking office in 2011, Schuette’s charitable trust section has combatted charity fraud and helped to educate Michigan families and businesses to make the most of their generous donations, his office said.

Over the past year, the department has ramped up its enforcement of Michigan’s law prohibiting deceptive charitable solicitations.

Before writing a check, people are encouraged to call the charitable trust section at (517) 373-1152 to inquire about a charity. People may also search for registered charities at mi.gov/agcharitysearch or learn more by visiting mi.gov/charity.