Art Taylor from the Microsoft Summit

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...

1. Get the charity’s exact name. With so many charities in existence, mistaken identity is a common problem. Thousands of charities have “cancer” in their name, for example, but no connection with one another. 2. Resist pressure to give on the spot, whether from a telemarketer or door-to-door solicitor. 3. Be wary of heart-wrenching appeals. What matters is what the charity...