For most charities (scam or legit), a lot of the donations go to pay roll, some go to the actual cause (if legit), and they'll have a shit load of volunteers making $0. But then the VP or CEO makes millions.
Totally understandable for execs in for profit companies to make bank because the purpose is to make money and pay everyone. And the higher the job, the higher the pay.
But charities and non-profits have a similar structure for the key office staff. But the key difference is the low level underlings (like volunteers) get $0.
I'm all for making money and capitalism, but working for $0 is stupid. Both the company paying $0 and the people willing to accept $0. For profit companies may do internships for college kids. Dont do it for free. At least pay the kids. Our company would do them and they paid them $22/hr which I think is good pay to learn the ropes, do some spreadsheets or slides. Would be pretty stupid if they did all that work for nothing.
Another problem is once you get on their donation list, good luck getting off it. You'll get mailers and phone calls forever. At least try to do it where you dont give your real phone number (my mistake). They are clever too. Even if you block their number, they got a way of bypassing it so their pre-recorded message goes straight to voice mail where it's some reason not blocked.
I think I've only donated a few times to big campaigns. Fort McMurray fire, Ukraine war, and I used to do hospital lotteries hoping to win prizes. I actually did many times but gave them away. Won some headphones (twice!) and an air purifier. But these are legit. My bro won $1000. Stupid thing is they just blindly send you the cheque in the mail as per my bro. So anyone could had stolen it and tried to cash it hoping it goes through.
I used to donate to friends or coworkers cancer walks, but bailed as soon as they'd get amped up begging for money every year. Same goes for coworkers raising money to pay for their kids hockey fees. Once you donate $20, you'll be expected to pay $20 every year forever as the parent will walk right up to you every year with a donation sign up sheet assuming you (being the gravy train) will keep paying their league fees every year.