1 appeal, 2 appeal, 3 appeal...MORE!

This video examines an issue that many donors find especially irritating --- excessive and expensive appeals from charities. The short film includes 5 steps to help you cut down on the number of charitable solicitations you receive in the mail.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Charity Appeal
• Charities
• Solicitation
• Mail

[duiker22]

Hal9000, As an employee small conservation group that does grassroots lobbying, I can say "Yes!" We need sheer numbers of members sometimes. For for us, being willinf to donate $25 is a sign that you support our work and are lending your voice to the cause.

I'd be curious what the commenters think is "too many" appeals? Would a yearly renewal reminder and one other request a year be acceptable? 2 other requests? 3, especially if they are simple 1-2 page letters without all the extra stuff?

[Hal9OOO]

In some cases we have spread contributions across several similar groups because we thought it was important for them to be able to claim lots of members since they may lobby, e.g,, environmental groups. Is this a bad idea?

[Astraea52]

I've made donations online, as suggested, but had a bad experience recently & may not do that again. A $75 charge by "Rapid Donor" showed up on my charge statement .. but no charity name. I would never give an odd amount like $75, so I questioned the charge. It took 3 months for Rapid Donor to respond .. and they didn't identify for whom they processed the alleged donation, but the charge was reversed. Wonder how many $75 donation charges aren't questioned?!

[Astraea52]

I've found that whether you give smaller or larger amounts, doesn't change the frequency a particular charity solicites you again. In fact I've noticed something interesting & disconcerting. Many solicitations come with a "check off list" for $25, $50, $100, Other categories. When I've given a larger donation, it seems like the next time, I'll get a list that STARTS with that larger amount as the lowest category; i.e. $250, $500, $1,000, Other!

[janotx43]

I can't contribute large amounts but I certainly don't mind giving small amounts to charities that at least seem to be doing good works. However, there is one charity that is definitely getting on my nerves. If they would quit sending me address labels, dimes, and having people call me every day, they could be putting that money to good use! I've crossed them off my list.

[duiker22]

A smaller charity relies on small gifts. It is unfair to make a broad statement that all charities won't benefit from a $25 gift. My org's appeals are simple letters and cost usually less than a dollar to print and mail.

A small charity is also more capable of tracking a donor's wishes and responding to requests (for instance, we have our opt out statement on every response form).

I recommend finding a local/regional charity doing work you love & support them instead of nat'l orgs.

[JewishLibrary]

What a great video. Now if only I can figure out how to set up a charitable organization to raise money for the Vilnius Jewish Library in Lithuania. If that is managed, I do solemnly promise not to bombard people with solicitations. :)

[cheric50]

Thanks for this practical information.