Each month I contribute to a well-known charity. This month, for the first time, I read their “thank you.” In it they thank me for last month’s contribution and ask for a donation that is 5 times what I give each month. And even have the cajones to give a “date due.” (It said “Contribution requested by”) I was so offended that I stopped the automatic payment from my account.
What do you think dopers, was I too harsh?
I guess it depends on why you chose this charity in the first place. If your are really dedicated to their goals, I’d write a complaint and see how they respond, and then stop or continue to them.
If the charity is more “generic”, then target your giving more. Personally, I never give a penny to the United Way, because of their ties with government and employers. I’m offended to get a pre-filled out form, from my own HR, and a supervisor shoving it in my face with advice that I pitch in. I’d rather pick some smaller, local, needier charities.
I got tired a long time ago because my donations were being used to send me letters asking for more and more money. Finally I stopped sending any money to anyone.
Then I learned how much some ‘charities’ pay their top staff.
Now I do what I can on a personal level. I may not be doing much but I’m not giving to a corporation disguised as a charity.
You did the right thing.
I also recently had the big pitch from the united way at work. And refused to give for similar reason (although my supervisor would never act as yours did.)
Upon reflection, I think that what offended me most was the suggested date to contribute by. As if it were a bill. Heck it still fires me up.
A few years ago it was revealed that the head of the local United Way received over $150K in salary and used a private jet to get around. That’s why I give locally and try to avoid any middlemen.
My alumni association (not a charity, I know) once called on the phone, and said they would be happy with any amount given, even $250 or $500…click, hello?
I once donated to a charity that later was determined to be a legal scam. Only 5 to 10% of the proceeds raised actually went to the charity, the rest went in the greedy cons pockets. The following year the postpaid envelope was returned to them taped to a box. Which contained a brick. A few weeks later I received a letter from them wanting the $9.45 it cost to have the brick sent to them. I sent them a letter telling them I would send the money if they sent me a postpaid envelope. I never heard from them again.