032817_BillSchuette_A.JPG

Attorney General Bill Schuette on Monday released records showing how much money raised for charitable causes by professional fundraisers actually makes it to the charity. (file photo)

(Joel Bissell | MLive.com)

LANSING, MI -- Professional fundraisers kept 61 percent of the money they raised for charities in 2016, according to an annual report from Attorney General Bill Schuette.

Professional fundraisers are organizations or individuals who solicit contributions on behalf of a charity, and are compensated by that charity in return. The Better Business Bureau recommends charities spend no more than 35 percent on such fundraisers.

But in Michigan, some charities are spending much more than that, or even losing money on these fundraising groups.

For example, the National Audubon Society, which aims to conserve and restore natural ecosystems for birds and other wildlife, paid Donor Services Group $82,832 according to an August 2016 report it filed. But Donor Services Group only raised $40,600, meaning the National Audubon Society got a negative 104 percent return on its investment.

Search for your favorite charity on this list to see how much money it was able to keep from professional fundraisers. The data comes from the Attorney General's office and may include national, not just Michigan, fundraising campaigns.

Schuette said the list should empower Michigan residents to know more about where their donations are going.

"My hope is that this list empowers Michigan residents to find out where their donation is going because unfortunately some professional fundraisers keep most of the money they raise," said Schuette. "I still encourage residents to give to charity but want to help them to be able to give wisely."

The 61 percent of money professional fundraisers kept in 2016 is slightly less than in 2015, when they kept 67 percent of the money raised.

The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team released some precautions consumers can take to ensure their money is going to the charity and not a professional fundraiser.

Be cautious when someone calls and asks for a donation. Ask if the caller works directly for the charity or is a professional fundraiser hired for a particular campaign. Ask how much of the donation actually goes to the charity. Beware of vague or unresponsive answers to specific questions about the charity and how money is used. Don't feel pressured to make an immediate donation. Avoid anyone that tries to make you feel guilty or uncomfortable with a donation. Go with your gut. Ask for a call back number and do your own research. Remember that you can always hang up, research your own charities, and give directly to the charity. This way your charity will get 100 percent of your donation.

What the list released Monday doesn't cover is how a charity spends the money it does raise. For more information on that, look

.