Questions to ask when a charity calls or comes to your door

You should always ask questions before giving to a charity so you can feel confident about your decision to donate. Therefore, when a charity calls or comes to your door, you may want to ask some or all of the following questions:

1. What is the full name of the charity?
2. Is the charity a "registered charity"? If so, what is the charity's registration number?
3. Will I get a receipt for income tax purposes for my donation?
4. What is the mission and goal of the charity?
5. What activities does the charity do?
6. Can you send me more information before I donate? Does the charity have a mailing list or newsletter to which I can subscribe

Mailing lists and newsletters are great ways to keep up to date on the charity's accomplishments and programs and to see how your support can make a difference. You should never feel pressured to make a donation on the spot. If you feel unsure, it is perfectly acceptable to postpone your donation until you have researched the charity.