Making Donations in this Economy

Tue, 04/21/2009 - 2:20pm
By: fcharles

I work for the American Red Cross, raising money specifically for the services we provide in the South Metro area (Clayton, Henry, Fayette, Butts and Coweta Counties). The Red Cross provides several services within these counties - blood services, disaster services, aid to families of those in the armed forces, trainings, such as CPR/First Aid, etc. and much more. I am gearing up to launch our Spring Heroes Campaign (http://american.redcross.org/goto/southmetro) and am just wondering -- how likely is it that people will still donate during this economic downturn? With the loss of jobs on the rise, will donations automatically head toward a decline? Some nonprofit organizations have been able to surpass their fundraising goals, while others have had to close down or consolidate. This will be my first time fundraising in a poor economy, and I have no idea what to expect. I'd love to hear your thoughts...

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Submitted by skyspy on Wed, 04/22/2009 - 9:13am.

People will probably limit their donations to 1 or 2 of their favorite charities, or organizations that they believe in.

Submitted by ptcmom678 on Tue, 04/21/2009 - 2:28pm.

I am trying to donate what money I can (less), but also donate some service hours since I've got more time than money. With the Red Cross, one thing most definitely in your favor is that it is totally evident that this is a good cause, and does do good. Others I've heard from who do have money are saying that they are still donating since now is when people really need help. Good luck on it.

dawn69's picture
Submitted by dawn69 on Wed, 04/22/2009 - 7:51am.

The Fayette Samaritans is another charity that does a lot of good. The unfortunate situation is that need is on the rise and donations are down.

"A mother never forgets her bird though in another tree. She looks down just as often and just as tenderly." - Emily Dickinson


Submitted by YourGoodPalMike on Wed, 05/13/2009 - 1:15pm.

We give ten percent of gross pay for tithing, and that isn't for the church alone. Sure, we give at church, but tithing for us isn't just to the church. Any organization we feel is in line with scripture (Red Cross, Salvation Army, Noah's Ark Rehabilitation Center, abuse centers, etc.) are fair for our tithing.

Tithing is difficult for us financially, but we gladly do it, and it would feel worse NOT to do it.

My pay will be less next year, so tithing will be slightly less, but it will still be ten percent of gross pay.

The Lord commands it. We are glad to do it.

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