No offense to not-for-profits - most mean well - but as a marketer I'm always a bit skeptical because I know it takes a lot of marketing to generate donations. It's expensive - it's simple - and that's money that won't go to the cause.

The allegations against Feed the Children are sad. While I'm not surprised of the percentage of donations they spend on advertising, I think that living in lavish accommodations with major kickbacks on the charity's dime is just not acceptable.

A little tax write-off here and there - maybe an affordable leased car and even a personal flight once in a while is probably more than acceptable. But living large on the charity's dime is usually the exact opposite of the charity's mission - helping others before you help yourself. Especially when we're talking about children.

Donate money - it's a good thing - but research who you're donating to and demand to know exactly what your money's going to.

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