Some Shocking Advice on Keeping Costs Down

To the Editor:

While I agree with Putnam Barber that donors should do research and learn about non-profit organizations both on line and from friends (“How Donors Can Keep a Lid on Charity Costs,” Opinion, October 21), I disagree with several of Mr. Barber’s suggestions for keeping down fund-raising costs.

First, rather than merely respecting requests to not sell individual names, charities should never sell any part of their mailing lists. Second, although it is more cost-effective for a charity to receive large checks, the donor should do whatever makes him happy. A donor with $100 to donate may prefer making five gifts of $20, which gives five organizations an opportunity to build their relationship with the donor. Third, I am grateful if donors don’t tell us when they want to hear from us. It takes extra staff time to manage individual preferences.

Finally, most shocking to me was Mr. Barber’s suggestion that if donors wish to make small gifts, they should make them in cash to “reduce record-keeping burdens” for the charity. I cannot see any facet of record keeping that is eliminated for gifts in cash.

Honey Meir-Levi
Executive Director
Ronald McDonald House
Palo Alto, Cal.