"Charitable" Giving
I know that I get at least one phone call most every day asking me to donate to something or another. I've tried being polite, explaining that I can't donate today or that my donation budget for the year is shot. It never ceases to surprise me how many are insistent to the point of being rude (and never mind those that just jump straight to rude). It is counter-productive at best and can just out and out harm your organization.
From the other side, I was, until recently, raising money for a foundation. My youngest daughter has done this professionally. One thing is for certain that every community conscious business BUDGETS for charitable giving and most prioritize those issues/causes that directly affect their employees (who often hit up the boss for contributions). Businesses might "do a lot of business" or "make a lot of money" but they also spend a lot of money and have expenses such as payroll which must be paid.
Simply put, no individual or business can afford to contribute to every single person/group/charity that solicits a donation every time.
In the case of many big chains like WalMart and Cabelas, each store has a charitable giving budget based in part on profits from the previous year. Exceptions, just as with any other business decision, likely rest on the store manager. His job likely rides on his ability to produce profit more than on his ability to meet every community need. Alienating him is not likely to produce for you in the future. Showing understanding by asking about his budgeting cycle and when might be the most opportune time to ask for a donation (rather than just when you need one) often produces great results.
In other words, strong arming your donors separates "charitable" from "giving" and is no different from the government shaking out your wallet. The stronger you are in the "asking" the stronger I am in refusing. That's just how it will be. But, if you have a cause I like and you let me know about your needs you might be surprised by the support that comes your way.
Labels: Culture
