Fundraisers, non profit and other FEEL GOOD functions

[visual800]

I got a call from a contractor that like me, is hurting from the economy, and is always coming up with schemes for making money. His latest venture is a "color run"

you have seen these on facebook and tv. People join together for a cause and they get slapped with powdered color. He went on to mention how much money he can profit for this. This really pi$$ed me off. I already have zero faith in non profit but this solidified my feelings.

this widespread, money grubbing world we live in has gone to far. Playing on peoples feelings and creating empathy all in the name of money.

 

[James Burke]

From Wikipedia:

The Color Run is an event that is owned and operated by The Color Run LLC, a for-profit company.[2]

Negative criticism of The Color Run stems from the fact they are a for-profit company,[16] and some participants are upset to learn that all proceeds aren't given to charity.[17] The company donates a portion of its revenue, ranging from 2-10% of total proceeds, to the highlighted charity for each event.[16][18]

I always steer away from "charities" that profit from a cause.


JB

 

[binki]

Sadly most 501(c)3 and other charity types are formed to give someone a job, not really for charity. Most operate outside of their charter as well and most of the money never gets to the stated cause.

We rarely support walk-ins for donations because of this. We do have a few that we support because they are well known and well documented.

 

[bikecomedy]

Think it would be interesting to see which charities member here support and why. Do you have a strategy for involvement because you want the PR for you business or is it because you have been effected by the thing the charity is trying to fix?

Personally just volunteer myself in the community. I would give too much in cash or product if I didn't somehow limit my giving so I limit my giving by only volunteering. Will volunteer for any event regardless of profit of the organizing group. Do tend to favor diabetes and heart disease charities. But like children causes and cancer too.

For me this has been the right mix of giving and PR.

 

[player]

Lots of scams.

 

[d fleming]

The most recent was in October for me. I am a working musician and most of my friends are as well. We all banded together with our local American Legion and put on an all day most of the night show to raise money for Wounded Warriors. Even had some friends who are national acts and one member of the rock n roll hall of fame pitch in. Our little community raised 9,000$ . I was awfully proud until we went to donate the check and realized we probably didn't pay the month's utility bill for their offices. All the artwork, banners, posters, flyers, roadside signs, shirts, stickers, etc. ce out of my pocket. Next time I think we will keep the money in the community to help our neighbors who might need it.

 

[binki]

Think it would be interesting to see which charities member here support and why. Do you have a strategy for involvement because you want the PR for you business or is it because you have been effected by the thing the charity is trying to fix?

We support scouts and sports, both school and none school organized as well as school clubs and animal shelters. We advertise in their programs and give them wholesale pricing on spirit packs so they can use them as fundraisers. It helps them and us.