Help! My Mailbox is Flooded With Donation Requests
By Teresa Ambord
There’s no doubt after the recent disasters at home and abroad, Americans are among the most generous people in the world. Even so, it can be frustrating to find your mailbox stuffed with new requests several times a week, especially if you don’t know anything about the charity and wonder how you got on their mailing list in the first place. Constant requests can turn the most generous giver sour. If that sounds like your situation, here are some tips for cutting back on mail solicitations.
The fact is, once you donate even a small amount to a charity, your name goes on a list. No surprise there. You will probably continue to get appeals from that charity. But chances are, that organization shares with or rents their list to other non-profits.
The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) suggests that you send a note, or better still, create a checklist form that you can duplicate and quickly pop into reply envelopes. If you are sending a donation, include a note that reads something like this: “please do not rent, sell, exchange, or give my name and address to other businesses or organizations without my express approval. My future donations to your group will depend on your cooperation.” If you choose not to donate, send a note simply requesting to be removed from the mailing list and the phone list. Click here for a sample note from the AIP Web site.
Once you’ve asked to receive no more solicitations, be patient. It sometimes takes a few months to be sponged off a list. Keep in mind that mistakes happen, especially with overworked, understaffed non-profit agencies, and don’t lose your temper if it takes a couple of requests.
You can also be removed from some direct mail marketing lists by contacting the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) at the address below and asking to have your name removed from commercial and nonprofit organization lists. Again, it may take a few months. Also, not all charities use the DMA, so while this may help, it’s not a total solution.
Mail Preference Service Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008
You can also cut down on unwanted telephone appeals by writing to this address and asking to be placed on their own “do not call” list. But once again, not all charities use DMA, so this will help, but may not eliminate telephone solicitations.
Telephone Preference Service of the Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 9014
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014
A final suggestion from the AIP is, when you do choose to make gifts, be selective. Non-profit groups are the fasting growing element of our society, with over 60,000 new charities popping up each year, and over 1.6 million already in existence. With numbers like that, it’s clear that there is intense competition for your donations. If an unfamiliar charity calls you, ask to be sent some literature, including financial statements. Reputable organizations will honor your request and will not resort to pressure tactics.
If something about the charity makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your feelings and check them out. Here’s how:
You can get a sample copy of the Charity Rating Guide & Watchdog Report, from the American Institute of Philanthropy. You’ll need to include a check for $3 to cover postage and handling.
American Institute of Philanthropy
3450 North Lake Shore Drive
Suite 2802E
P.O. Box 578460
Chicago, IL 60657
Or log onto www.Give.org for agency-specific information.
