Is this a new trend in fundraising?

[Hillbeans]

I've noticed that i've had multiple phone calls on my caller ID over the past few weeks from the American Heart Assoc. We make a $150 annual donation to them every year through DH's work that is matched.

They called me today when I was home and wanted me to send 10 envelopes out to my neighbors and friends to solicit donations . I understand that charities must be hurting these days with the economy, but I told the woman very nicely that I donate already and don't feel comfortable soliciting my neighbors (some of whom I don't really know) for donations. She pressed the issue again, but I nicely said no.

Is this something new? I support the AHA, in fact both of my parents have had Heart Disease, but wouldn't ask neighbors for donations just because they are my neighbor. Why wouldn't they just send out solicitations on their behalf?

 

[disykat]

AHA association does this drive every year. They always call me wanting me to be "neighborhood captain" or something like that. Supposedly they get better donations with a personal invitation. I also support them with an annual donation, but I choose not to solicit my neighbors on their behalf.

 

[DVCLiz]

This is a standard fundraising technique and it's been used for many years. The March of Dimes was always the one I remember growing up. It's not new.

If you support the organization it's an easy way to spread the word, even if your neighbors choose not to donate. Just sending out an evelope gives them the choice to donate or throw it in the trash.

 

[pixie dust 112]

I've had a few different charities ask me to do this. I tell them no. I am not comfortable asking my neighbors to contribute.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Yup, this has been going on since I was a teenager, I think (30+ years ago!) I remember the neighbors (good friends of my parents) going around the neighborhood for a particular charity every year. And my dad did it for the AHA one year.

And I remember trick-or-treating with a special box from either UNICEF or March of Dimes, asking for spare change. I was surprised when we bought a house that I didn't see a single child doing that ~ Maybe kids weren't that reliable about turning in the donations?

 

[ChrisAlli]

I've done this for the AHA and Autism Awareness. I don't have any money sent to my home and I don't even attach my name to it in any way. I just fill out the envelopes and pay postage.

 

[daisax]

My mother did this for the AHA going back 20 years, at least. Her neighbor did it for the lung association!

They both stopped a few years back, but it's not a new strategy at all.

 

[Nancy]

I've gotten calls to do that from a number of organizations and also get those envelopes in the mail from my neighbors. This has been goingon for years. March of Dimes has done it for a long time.

 

[mjkacmom]

They're still doing this? My neighbor used to get stuck doing it in our neighborhood, and they called me a few times, but I said no, and to stop calling.

 

[FoundMyPrince]

I've had neighbors ask for March of Dimes and Breast Cancer donations. I guess they figure it's harder to tell a neighbor "no" than it is a stranger on the other end of the phone.

 

[TheBigBadWolf]

I've been conned into doing this for St. Jude's children hospital, who is my favorite charity. I try to donate to them each Christmas. (Thanks OP for reminding me I can double my donation by using the company match at my DH's job). I've never had any luck getting any donations from friends or neighbors by sending them the envelops and notes asking them for a donation. The only way I have ever gotten people to donate is by asking them in person, then nobody ever refuses.... But, I don't like pressuring them to do this, so I asked St. Jude's to stop requesting this from me, and they did.

 

[PaulaSue]

Oh I HATE that!!! Every year we would get an envelope from a "neighbor" who we had NO clue who it was, but for the address. If you are not nice enough to introduce yourself don't ask for donations! We lived 4 houses down and I never met her in the 11 years we lived there and I am a SAHM.

 

[mamacatnv]

We are Partners in Hope with St. Jude and they call me once or twice a year to do their envelope campaign. I refuse I am not comfortable being the source that a charity would use to contact someone. Every year St. Judes has a huge radio event here in the area and we always re-up our partnership. I feel that those who want to give will and those who don't won't.

What really bugs me is that schools and athletic teams have gotten on this band wagon.

 

[Camicar]

Various groups around here have been doing the 'envelope your neighbors' thing for about 3-5 years. I always refuse it. Well, this year, I never even got a call I could refuse but got a packet in the mail of envelopes to mail to my neighbors. No. No. No.

Packet went right in the recycling bin, along with the 'reminder' letters.

It makes me think twice about giving to them if this is how they are wasting donations.