There is Consumer Reports and then there’s Consumer Opinions
Join the discussion by leaving your thoughts in the comment box below the last comment posted.
Is Consumer Reports missing the point when they say “avoid charity gift cards” and then suggest, “One option is giving cash to them and suggesting that they use some or all of it for a charitable donation. That lets them decide where the money should go. It also lets them off the hook if they’d prefer to use the money for themselves but are too timid to tell you outright.”
Our President, Danny Goodman responds … “We should hardly be discouraging legitimate methods of charitable giving in these tough times. …Our cards never expire and for Internet purchases we only charge a 5% admin fee, 50 cents per card and the credit card fee. This is an outstanding value for your charitable dollar compared to almost any other fundraiser, event or program. Walk-a-thons, charity dances and dinners, candy sales, art auctions, etc. have a much higher percentage of fundraising cost than our fees.“
Top Charity Gift Card Issuers Say… Consumer Reports Editorial is Inadequately Researched and Puts Millions of Dollars in Charitable Donations at Risk.
New York Times ‘Your Money’ Reporter says, “I’m taking the side of the charity gift providers here. I’ve received one of these cards in the past and really enjoyed the experience …”
What do you think?
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Learn more:
CharityChoice Response
“We should hardly be discouraging legitimate methods of charitable giving…”
You Are What You Gift
“Charity Gift Cards allow me to donate and support charities while I simultaneously acknowledge important personal relationships”
Scroogenomics
“Waldfogel suggests giving charity gift cards.”
New York Times ‘Your Money’
“I’m taking the side of the charity gift providers here.”
Consumer Reports Editorial
“Should Your Holiday Gift Be A Charitable Donation”
Top Charity Gift Card Issuers Say
“Consumer Reports Editorial is Inadequately Researched and Puts Millions of Dollars in Charitable Donations at Risk.”
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Glad you asked…
Consumer reports recently posted a misleading article “Should your holiday gift be a charitable donation? “ By Anthony Giorgianni. Unfortunately for the consumer as well as the chairities that benefit from Charity Gift Cards; the article was discouraging and suggests that consumers “Avoid charity gift cards” and “It sounds like a great idea, but there are drawbacks”. The article goes on to decscribe what the author seems to consider a myriad of negative aspects, such as fees supporting an administrating non-profit?
Below is our response to the article by CharityChoice Gift Cards co-founder, Daniel Goodman. If you have questions about fees, dispersement of funds or any of our charitable tools and programs feel free to contact us.
We should hardly be discouraging legitimate methods of charitable giving in these tough times. While I can best speak to the issues you raise, as far as our CharityChoice Gift Cards, I think many of the other options out there are also excellent charity gifts.
Our cards never expire and for Internet purchases we only charge a 5% admin fee, 50 cents per card and the credit card fee. Shipping and handling is per order, so how much it cost per card depends upon how many cards are ordered.
This is an outstanding value for your charitable dollar compared to almost any other fundraiser, event or program. Walk-a-thons, charity dances and dinners, candy sales, art auctions, etc. have a much higher percentage of fundraising cost than our fees.
The advantage of 100% tax-deductible gifts and the merging of your gift-giving budget with your philanthropy budget give tremendous value to the purchaser.
Those who receive charity gift cards, by and large, remark upon how it is the best and most meaningful gift they have ever received. The character and personal values it expresses for the gift-giver and the recipient speaks volumes.
A leading author and academic authority on the economic value of gifting, recently wrote to me, “I wish your organization great success in diverting resources from oblivion to good causes.”
Let’s encourage ‘elevating America’s gift-giving’, while cautioning them to examine each option to understand what they are receiving for their donation.
Sincerely,
Daniel Goodman
President, Special Kids Fund
Co-Founder, CharityChoice Gift Cards
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