December 2, 2010 at 4:47 pm
With the high number of catastrophes caused by the elements throughout the world, and the consequent human distress, it is encouraging that people have responded so generously. That could leave organisations such as the National Trust in a difficult position. They need money for their work – but it does not have the same priority [...]
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November 15, 2010 at 5:29 pm
I am getting used to bad grammar and spelling mistakes (too much reliance on spell-checkers) in appeal letters from charities. But International Medical Corps UK, in referring to itself in its letter has managed to spell its own name incorrectly. Of course, they probably do wonderful work; it is a pity that cannot be carried through [...]
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November 6, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Many of us do not want to dwell too long on our future demise, ev en though we know it is ineitable. That makes it difficult for charities trying to drum up legacy income for the future.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, referring to its work to protect wetlands and their wildlife, says in a circular [...]
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November 1, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Some charities have been rapped over the knuckles for trying to induce a ‘guilt factor’ by enclosing gifts when asking for money. Now, I am wondering if enclosing a stamped addressed envelope falls into that category. I am not thinking of a ‘business reply’ envelope – where the charity only pays if the envelope is [...]
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October 26, 2010 at 10:05 am
Are they simply trying to wear me down, into a state of submission? The smile Train has been sending a number of requests – each time along the lines of ‘Make one gift now and we’ll never ask for another donation again’.
It seems as though they may be trying to annoy me to such an [...]
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October 4, 2010 at 11:43 am
I firmly believe that a really good ‘thank-you’ is the best form of ’ask’ for funds. If a charity can show how one’s money has been used, it can provide a warm glow, and the feeling that ‘I must try to give them some more’.
The Church Urban Fund has sent a letter saying ‘I wanted [...]
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September 8, 2010 at 9:25 am
If a charity which is new to me sends a letter, it is important (to me) that it should create a good impression right at the outset. That will encourage me to read on …..
Here’s one that failed that test, miserably: BRACE, Funding Research into Alzheimer’s. It addressed the letter to Mr. my wife’s forename [...]
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August 21, 2010 at 4:51 pm
In common with many others, I probably get my fair share of young people who want to ‘do good’ overseas in their gap year, and need the money.
Different considerations apply to members of one’s family, or the young of good friends. Usually, however, I have never heard of those who approach me for funds.
I have [...]
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July 6, 2010 at 5:06 pm
As part of my charitable activities, I am pleased to contribute towards the cost of deprived city children having a holiday in the country. But I draw the line at my charitable giving subsidising the holidays of well-to-do friends.
Adventure holidays, to raise sponsored funds for particular charities, have grown in popularity. And so I get a [...]
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July 2, 2010 at 4:28 pm
I hoped we had heard the last of mailings asking people to put coins in the post to a charity. The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, however, is still using this approach. And I can see the attraction: it is very much like someone calling at the door with a collecting tin, and the householder popping [...]
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