Side Step the Sucker punch: A test to determine if you should give money and ammunition to avoid the guilt give
26 Jan

Recently Slate.com, one of my favorite news spots, posted an article by should give money to that bikeathon, walkathon, readathon, or danceathon that your friend, neighbor, cousin, collegeue has hit you up for. (Note: I am all about donating to organizations in need, so this post is not about weasling out of giving, it’s to provide ammunition to help you side step the guilt give)
“the guilt give” phrase; giving because you feel guilty often because you do not have a suitable reason to with good conscious say no.
The test from them (in italics) is copied below and YOUR answers to these questions will give you the knowledge to side step the guilt give:
- Is the mission of this organization one I would put on my Top 20 list? If not … just hug and release. Life is short.
- Has this organization demonstrated progress pursuing its mission? If it’s new, is it probably destined for success? To me, this second element is the most important question in all gift-giving. Don’t just ask: “Is Darfur something I should be concerned about?” Ask: “Has the Save Darfur Coalition been successful in drawing attention and pushing progress on the critical issues?” (I think it has been.) If those involved can’t answer this question for you, move on.
- Is the individual asking for the pledge—or the organization arranging the fundraiser—worth supporting? Do you want to encourage their social efforts? Do you want them to represent you and your intentions? If not, bow out gracefully.
- What do this organization’s finances look like and why? Please remember that many reputable and important organizations lose money on the effort to get your first gift. They are hoping that once you’ve started giving, you will continue to give them support—your time, voice, or money—and that you will be a profitable partner in the future. Now, this doesn’t mean that any organization should be spending 50 percent of its resources on fundraising. A rule of thumb for an established organization would be between 5 percent and 15 percent. But there are wide variations, so before you give, you might want to dig a bit. Spend a few minutes and see what this organization says on its own Web site, or check out one of the top nonprofit watchdog sites (Charity Navigator, Better Business Bureau or Guidestar).
They identify some great questions to ask, my favorite being #1 – is the organization in my Top 20, (I may even go Top 10). I’d rather give $1,000 to 1, the $1 to 1000 because I think it makes a greater impact – which is why I’m giving anyway, right?
Remember this list, because if you haven’t been hit up yet, you will.








