For these charities to attract and retain quality leaders, they need to pay them a reasonable salary. But I understand donor concerns. It's hard for them to reconcile the large salaries. But we tell donors to look at it in perspective of how the charity is doing. Are they meeting their goals? If you see a high CEO salary and an underperforming charity then, yes, it's better to steer clear.

Savvy charities are looking toward the future. They know they need to cultivate the younger donor.

I think companies should make donors aware of (where the money is going).

We're hearing that more and more. It's a commonly held belief that the more times you ask, the more times you'll get, but people are withdrawing their support.

So, giving this time of year is very important.

Telemarketers take up to 95 percent of the profit from a donation.