Letter: Greedy charities
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: You report (31 May) that charitable giving has fallen by a third in recent years. I would like to suggest a reason other than those you mention: the aggressive and greedy attitude of many charities.
All too frequently when one gives a donation one is bombarded - often almost by return of post - with requests for yet more money. Further requests follow, sometimes backed up by telephone calls.
When I renewed my deed of covenant and doubled my donation to a well- known charity whose work I greatly admire, I shortly got a letter thanking me for my support, but adding that "as it is Christmas, perhaps you could find it in your heart to give just a little bit more". I also discovered that another charity had, without my knowledge or consent, given my name to another organisation who are now bombarding me with begging letters.
I believe such tactics are both ungracious and counterproductive; charities should learn that if they become too greedy they kill off the geese that lay the golden eggs.
N E I McNEILL
Waddington, Lancashire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments