Your charity telemarketing cheat sheet

Phone Rings.

Caller: Good evening, Mr. Jones. I'm calling on behalf of ABC Charity. Would you like to give to help your community?

You: I do believe in giving, but I have a few questions for you before I commit to sending money.

Five Key Questions:

1."Are you a third-party company raising funds on behalf of the charity?" You need to ask this question because for-profit fundraisers -- companies that primarily are used in charitable telemarketing campaigns -- can keep 25 cents to 95 cents of every dollar they collect, according to Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities' fundraising efficiency. Most efficient charities spend less than 25 percent on fundraising and administrative fees.

2. "How much of my donation will actually end up with the charity?" By law, they must tell you. Hang up if you don't get this information. If you do get it, verify it with the charity itself.

3."What is the full name and location of the charity?" You need this information because you are not going to give money based on an unsolicited telephone call. Some charities' names sound similar. The Better Business Bureau recommends donors avoid being fooled by names that look impressive or closely resemble the name of a well-known organization.