In the last few years I have had the opportunity to get to know board members of several large and small nonprofit organizations. When speaking to these folks, I have found that their organizations have several things in common with other nonprofit groups.
First and foremost, in all of the cases, the organizations with whom I have become acquainted have their main focuses on specific goals. Some want to help the homeless, others focus on animals in need.
In some cases, health issues are the main concern, while others concentrate on children or the arts.
I believe another kinship that exists between charitable organizations is the difficulty in raising both public awareness and money for their coffers. In my observation, many of the larger mega-nonprofits spend an exorbitant amount of money and resources on fundraising.
According to my 96-year-old mother, she receives dozens of “beg letters” each week asking her to donate to this or that “worthy cause.” I know it is difficult for her to ignore these pleas, but I have advised her to donate only to local organizations with whom she is acquainted, that she trusts and whose goals she supports. After all, chances are if you donate to one by mail, your name may go onto a list that is sold to other organizations who are looking for money as well.
I’ve heard it said that the best thing to do with “beg letters” that contain a return envelope, is to rip up the letter and mail it back to them. Under that theory, the charity pays postage both ways, as well as the cost of printing for the literature, and when they receive that version of “return to sender,” the receiver may be eliminated from the list. I am not a subscriber to that notion. Instead, I would recommend following the Federal Trade Commission’s advice (ftc.gov) and contact 888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit optoutprescreen.com . The phone number and website are operated by the major consumer reporting companies.
To help our readers learn more about local nonprofit organizations, we are starting a new feature to be called “Focus on Nonprofits.” Beginning in a couple of weeks, the articles we print will give information about local groups and what their charities support. We also hope to shine the spotlight on groups by interviewing those in the organization’s leadership positions and learning about details on elements of the association’s that may not be common knowledge.
We expect this new feature to help our readers understand more about those groups who are looking for donations, and how, in some instances money isn’t the only thing they need. Volunteerism and sharing of talents may be just as valuable to them.
