Is there any true charity. Is telemarketing worth donating money.?

Question

I came to know most of the charity run through telemarketing, such as Cancer research society, Aids research, Brest Cancer research etc.. when donating funds, more than 80% goes to the telemarketing company and only less than 20 % really goes to Charity. Is it true or worth donating our hard earned money. Or is there any good place where I can donate.

Answer 1

I volunteer at a local youth shelter for young homeless men. It is a great way for me to mentor guys who need to figure out how to survive in the "real" world.

I also give quite a lot of money to keep things running.

I would suggest you find something like that in your own community rather then searching the large national charities that are money machines.

The smaller places like the one I work at often seem to impact their communities in a large way and are less fund raising focused.

We are grateful for an old chair to replace a broken one in the dining room. Spare bedding is great.

The rare time when someone gives money it is truly a blessing.

On a side note we are all volunteers. If you find a place like that then you have a good shot at your money going were it should.... to the people you want to help.

Good luck! Your heart is in the right place!

Answer 2

Generally speaking the local Police Department will know of a homeless shelter or community outreach agency that would appreciate your donation and put it to good use.
Financial donations are great but often the most needed are those of time and service. I say this from personal experience, being semi-retired, I volunteer professional services with the local Police Department as a Law Enforcement Chaplain, I drive transport van from the local Veterans Office to several VA Clinics in our area and volunteer as an "on call" Chaplain several days a month at our local hospital.
There are many places where you can make a difference. Find out if there is an Ombudsman program in your area. Talk to your local Hospice program they often need volunteers. If you really want to make a difference it is not too difficult to find a way

Answer 3

It's good that you are askling about honesty and how much goes to really make a difference. As director of a small nonprofit I like the idea of giving to a small local organization and really recommend it. Even better give a couple of hours of your time and check the place out abd be sure it is doing what you want to do. If it is make regular investments of your time and money.

But to answer the first part most states (probably every state ) have laws regarding charities and charitable solicitation. Charities must be registered, a specific percentage must go to the charity not the fundraiser etc. It is usually your state secretary of state whose office takes care of this so check out any potential charity through them. MDA is one charity that really does keep expenses to a minimum by use of volunteers, donated space, donated TV time, even donated copying machines so money goes mainly for research and helping ppl w/ MD. My husband worked for MDA and became very familiar with what they do and how. MDA strives to have no more than 25% overhead including fundraising.

Answer 4

The difficulty with telemarketing is they have to pay the rent, the utilities, the employees, etc., etc., etc.

Chose where your heart leads you first.

Are you concerned about health issues? Donate directly to a local hospital to help with either the general needs of the poor - or to a specific department - the heart ward, cancer ward, etc.

Are you concerned with issues dealing with the environment? Here in the states you can call your local county extention office and ask about local environmental groups. You can call your Highway department and ask about funding an "Adopt a Highway" program.

Are you concerned with helping disaster victims? Donate to a local chapter of the Red Cross or to local Blood Banks, the Salvation Army, etc.

Are you concerned with spiritual issues, helping the poor, etc? Give to the church of your choice, a homeless mission, a local aid "pantry"...etc.

Are you concerned with care of the elderly? Donate to Meels on Wheels or contact a local nursing home and ask to donate for the care of an indigent elderly person.

Do issues with animals concern you? Donate to a local shelter.

When you donate locally - you see where you money goes right away. Donations to LOCAL chapters of the United Way brings distribution of funding to LOCAL charitable groups.

Never give blindly - always check out where you give your money... but also consider your time and other resources... pet food to a shelter, old clothes, shoes, bedding, etc. to the Salvation Army, old furniture or an old car for charitable auction, etc. Even your blood and plasma.

It is always worth it to give.
Be wise as to where - and follow your heart.
Peace, hon.