Comments on: An alternative to Christmas gift giving

By: Nikki

Nikki — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:53:00 +0000

I’m leery of the 15% fee you have to pay. If you just go directly to the website of the organization you want to donate to, you shouldn’t have to have that amount knocked off the top. On the other hand, as someone who works in the non-profit field, I know full well that some organizations (even excellent, well-managed and fiscally responsible organizations) spend 50 cents on the dollar recruiting your first donation. In non-profit management and fundraising classes I’ve taken, I’ve even heard, “Expect to break even on a direct mail campaign!”
The first donation is the most expensive for organizations to get, but if you become a regular contributor, their cost to recruit you as a donor goes down exponentially. What this means for me is that I don’t make one-off donations to a bunch of organizations, who are then going to spend lots of money sending me mailings. I contribute regularly (through an auto-debit) to one or two organizations, which increases the impact of my dollars.
One thing to keep in mind is that the four star Charity Navigator rating applies only to the GlobalGiving site, not to each charity it supports. You should look up each organization individually to see how THEY are using your money.

By: Lisa Buffington

Lisa Buffington — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:54:20 +0000

I realize you are probably up to your ears on Christmas articles, but I have one that I would like to submit. If this is possible, please email me back with instructions.
Thank you,

Lisa Buffington

By: Craig Ford

Craig Ford — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:35:44 +0000

Bob,
I think this post does highlight an important part of Christmas gift giving. Giving should not be limited only to our families.
After Christmas, for every gift our kids receive we donate on gift to a neighbor who does not have as much as we do.
We want our kids to know Christmas is about helping others and not just ourselves.
Because we are already aware of a lot of charities we don’t often search online, but knowing the charity is trustworthy is essential. Thanks for pointing out this good resource.

By: bondChristian

bondChristian — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:18:28 +0000

I think it’s a wonderful idea. It’s getting it to catch on that’s difficult (and I’m totally guilty of standing in the way too).

A favorite of mine is Gospel for Asia, which trains and sends native missionaries to countries in Asia. I don’t mean to start a “post your cause” thread in the comments here (I’m not personally involved with GFA other than as a giver), but the thing I like about this one is that 100% of the money goes directly to the missionaries – nothing’s taken out.

Something to think about.

-Marshall Jones Jr.