They probably do represent these organizations. What they don't tell you is the charity most often receives less than 10% of the donation. You need to ask tax status of charity and terms of compensation for that third party solicitor. The laws vary from state to state but this information should be included in the legal disclaimer. As for that 10%..... It more oft than not funds  Christmas parties and the like. It offsets money that would normally be taken away from actual charitable programs to pay for these parties. I worked for one of these third parties for a few years. Hated it.