DENVER - If you are thinking about donating to a charity this holiday season, the Colorado Secretary of State's office and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) both have tips that may help you.

Each year the Secretary of State's office releases a report on charitable donations.

The report helps citizens determine where they should donate their money, especially if they are hesitant or unsure about where their money is going and how it is being spent.

The report also shows exactly how much of your donation actually reaches the charity after all other expenses are paid.

The office says all charitable organizations must be registered with the Secretary of State's office and they must file annual financial reports.

For more information you can visit the Secretary of State's office Web site by clicking here.

The BBB has also given 38 charities in the metro area the "Better Business Bureau Wise Giving" seal. That means they meet 20 accountability standards.

For more information, you can visit the BBB's Wise Giving Alliance Web site at www.give.org.