I just read a thread about charities---- ( Archived) (8)

This got me thinking of a charity I decided to join/contribute to back in the 1990's. The foundation, advertised widely by a famous celebrity, asked for donors to "adopt" a needy child from various countries around the world. The cost was minimal, $19.00 a month then, and would provide "basic nutrition, housing, and schooling necessities for an impoverished youngster". I began the process, sent the first check, and received a picture, short letter from a girl, and a congratulatory letter from the foundation. The following month I paid again. In the third month, I got a wonderful letter telling me I was now the foundation's favorite patron. However, little "Mia" was going to have a birthday, and for just $5.00 more she could get a beautiful present. I sent it along with the $19.00. The next month, I sent the regular $19.00, and got a letter from the foundation thanking me, but they were surprised that I had not sent the $5.00 again, as I now was committed to $24.00 monthly, instead of $19.00. I wrote back, telling them I had not agreed to that; the $5.00 extra was sent one time for Mia's present. The following month, the bill was for $19.00. With a letter attached, telling me that there would be a school parade in the village, and the $19.00 was appreciated, but only provided very basic food, such as a ball of rice and very weak vegetable broth, and little Mia would be the only child in the village without a new dress for the parade, so could I please send another $9.00 for a new dress. I did. Following month, to cut to the chase, now her displaced cousins were going to be staying with Mia and her family, more money would be needed, etc....this went on for about a year and change---I dumped them. Got it?

In telemarketing terms, they were upselling to a ‘tap’.

You should be aware that only 15% of what is donated to most charities actually reaches the intended destination. Read the fine print on the donation form, it’s usually disclosed there.

The rest is usually spent on, you guessed it, further fundraising activities. Like paying the administrators and marketing people. Running those heartstring tugging ads in all media. Paperwork and other expenses.

Tax exemptions are a whole ‘nuther thang.


I remember a certain group back in the 90’s that was selling garbage bags via telemarketers for a charity. I’m talking the same ones that you get at Home Despot for $6/box, which they sold for $60-100/box and only 7% of the donation total actually went to the charity they were representing. It was borderline legal to do, but still very deceptive marketing. They kept ‘diaries’ of whom they sold to, ermm secured a donation from, so when things got slow, they’d call them back for another donation.

I’m not against helping people, I do it often. I’m just shining a light on what this ‘industry’ does as a business model. Remembering the phrase “charity begins at home”, know where your $ is actually going and control how much actually goes to helping those in need. Local tends to be more immediate.