Some 110 Connecticut groups used paid telephone soliciting firms in 1999. We all work hard to earn our paychecks and when we give to a charity, we want to see as much as possible go the cause we support. On average, only 34 cents of each donated dollar goes to the charity when a paid solicitor is involved. We can do better. We can make informed decisions about our charitable contributions by contacting the Public Charities Unit before agreeing to any telephone solicitation.
Many charities have similar-sounding names.
Ask how and where the donation will be used. Don't accept vague answers. Ask whether the person calling is being paid and what percentage of the donation goes to the organization. Never give cash or agree to have someone pick up a contribution.