ATLANTA -- Robert Burgin knows firsthand the level of care provided by the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Georgia.

“The great thing about this facility is not only do they provide patient care – they also do research,” says Burgin.

Medical Director Dr. William Stuart says by keeping administrative costs low, they can direct more money to treatment and research. That’s where charitable donations can make a big difference.

“We have a research department we’re constantly involved in new drug research trials. Funds are always needed for that,” says Dr. Stuart.

Channel 2 checked the financial records for thousands of charities in Georgia, including the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Georgia.

Those records show the MS Center spends 94 percent of every donated dollar on patient programs and services. That’s well above the minimum ratio the Better Business Bureau recommends.

“For every dollar you give, we want to make sure at least 65 percent of that is actually going to the program or services you want,” says President of the Atlanta BBB, Fred Elsberry.

The Better Business Bureau posts national charity records on their web site. The Atlanta chapter provides information on Georgia non-profits.

President Fred Elsberry says don’t feel pressured to give during the holiday season unless you’ve done your homework.

“Legit charities need you money all the time, throughout the year,” says Elsberry.

Guidestar is a national non-profit which monitors charitable organizations and their spending. CEO Bob Ottenhoff says ratios should not be the only criteria you use, but you want groups that spend a lot on services and a little on running the office.

“The first thing you want charity to do is be transparent. Be very public with what they do and how they do it,” says Ottenhoff.

Groups like the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Boys and Girls Club are transparent – we know where most of the money goes. But Ottenhoff says watch out for red flags – if you get a solicitation from someone you don’t know.

“If someone says you’ve got to make a decision right now, you’ve got to make a contribution – that’s a red flag,” says Ottenhoff.

Ottenhoff’s other red flags include:

Organizations with no web site

One that refuses a request for detailed, written information about their programs and services

Those with huge fundraising costs

“You do want to try and find out what are your fundraising expenses, how much are you paying telemarketers and how much is left over,” says Ottenhoff.

Robert Burgin is not just a patient, he’s also a generous donor to the MS Center of Georgia – it’s part of his overall strategy for smart charitable giving.

“I realized years ago you can give $10 to a hundred organizations and not really make a difference. So I decided to narrow my pattern of giving down,” says Burgin.

Clark’s rules for generosity are simple. First, give to organizations that you know first-hand – that someone you know has benefited from. Second, if you’re going to give to a well-known charity, check them out and make sure they’re doing a good job. Third, never give to anybody who calls you on the phone and tries to get money out of you right then and there. Most of the con artists will never send anything to you, if you press them the next sound you’ll hear is the dial tone.