Charities and Street Fundraisers

[Jenna X]

Ever been approached by an individual working for an org (NPO) in the city?

This is not uncommon in Manhattan but today in Brooklyn I was approached by a persistent young lady who asked if I could donate to a charitable cause (this transpired in a coffee shop). She couldn't even explain to me what the org is about (a red flag in my book). I answered immediately with a prodigious sigh that I'm in school and I'd be paying 7% interest on that donation, her rebuttal was "maybe next time." She said this to me maybe 4-5 times, and I knew she didn't hear a word coming out of my mouth (insert Chris Tucker voice over).
Of course I was irate about her attitude, I mean how do I know it's the real deal? Next time my answer will be short and sweet: No, thank you. The polite thing to do was walk quickly and pretend I'm on a cell phone lol. :kidding:

I do understand that certain org need to get their word out there and what's better than human interaction! For this particular case, I just wasn't buying it.

So my PSA for today is if you plan on donating to a charitable cause (i.e. ACLU, ASPCA, GLAAD, Housing Works) verify that it is the correct organization not a similar org. It's pertinent to research on where the funding will go, after all it is your money.

 

[Widdy]

Times are tough, people get creative. We'll see more and more of them as the holidays near. I use www.charitynavigator.org/ to do all my research before any monies depart.

 

[Jenna X]

Agreed, times are tough. I know some people need to hustle to make an honest living but I wasn't buying her spiel (it really didn't seem legitimate).

Thanks for sharing the link.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

Next time ask them for their credentials-a laminated one that will look like a press pass along with a letter with contact numbers. When they trip up on their words after you ask tell them have a nice day. They usually realize the jig is up and walk away directly following.

They're supposed to have an id of some sort to legitimize them.

 

[skene]

Correct.. Anyone working for any organization(s) that collect $$ for charities needs to have an ID badge, which they will gladly show you.
If they do not have one... the only charity case they are collecting for is theirs.