Alyson Niemann, Mindful Philanthropy

1. Never give your credit card number or other personal financial information to unknown callers. 2. Ask who’s calling–a professional solicitor or an employee of the charity? If the call is from a telemarketing company, ask what percentage of your gift the charity will receive. 3. Get the name straight. Many organizations raising money for the same cause have names...

1. Review the name carefully. Don’t assume that the words “police” or “firefighter” in an organization’s name means your local police force or fire department is involved. 2. What do they do? Ask for specifics about the programs your donation would support. Appeals are sometimes vague on this point. 3. Be wary of pressure to give. Don’t be pressured into giving...