Monday, February 07, 2005
Giving More Than Money To Charity
Americans are notoriously generous. But sometimes giving money to one cause can also mean signing up for a stream of pleas from other needy groups. Why is this? A recent survey by Charity Navigator, found that of nearly 3,300 charities, as many as 75% sell or exchange the names of donors.
Bruce Mohl of The Boston Globe investigated further and found directors of charities like American Foundation for AIDS Research who said things like “Virtually all charities will exchange lists of donors.” Or “This is a pretty common practice. It’s how you identify new donors.” In other words, a lot of charities assume that when you make a donation, you are giving them more than money. You are giving them the right to share your name.
While most groups will honor a request not to have your name shared (the American Red Cross, the American Civil Liberties Union and Oxfam, to name but a few, all have opt-out policies), there are a few which don’t put the burden on you. These groups, like the Lance Armstrong Foundation, National Public Radio and the American Brain Tumor Association, should be applauded.
(also posted in Lists, Lists, Lists)
Bruce Mohl of The Boston Globe investigated further and found directors of charities like American Foundation for AIDS Research who said things like “Virtually all charities will exchange lists of donors.” Or “This is a pretty common practice. It’s how you identify new donors.” In other words, a lot of charities assume that when you make a donation, you are giving them more than money. You are giving them the right to share your name.
While most groups will honor a request not to have your name shared (the American Red Cross, the American Civil Liberties Union and Oxfam, to name but a few, all have opt-out policies), there are a few which don’t put the burden on you. These groups, like the Lance Armstrong Foundation, National Public Radio and the American Brain Tumor Association, should be applauded.
(also posted in Lists, Lists, Lists)
# posted by AmandaWelsh @ 11:52 AM 
