Dear Abby: Concerns About Charities and Donor Privacy

A reader expresses worry about whether charities and nonprofits share or sell donor information. After years of donating quarterly to two reputable charities, including Children’s Cancer Research Hospital, the reader has noticed a sharp increase in solicitation requests. While they continue to believe in the mission, the frequency of appeals has become overwhelming.

One charity consistently sends a quarterly donation request, which the reader responds to promptly. However, a second charity, particularly a “legacy program” mentioned in the reader’s will, has escalated its contact frequency from emails monthly to multiple times a week, including phone calls and texts. Strangely, this outreach is occurring despite the reader only having provided a mailing address.

Today alone, seven letters arrived; six requested donations, with five being from unfamiliar entities. This leads the reader to wonder if their contact details have been sold or shared, prompting the decision to stop donations. They feel discouraged, as it seems the funds they provide are being utilized to send even more requests instead of supporting more direct causes, like local school programs.

They inquire if there’s a way to halt the constant flow of emails, perhaps hoping this message might encourage these charities to reconsider their tactics. — California mailbox full

For Those Facing Overwhelming Mail Volumes

According to Give.org, it’s a common practice for businesses and charities to sell donor contact information to other organizations. If an individual’s name appears on a subscriber list for a magazine or a list of buyers for a product, they might find themselves added to lists used by various charities.

The reader may be able to reduce unwanted solicitations by directly contacting the charity to request removal from mailing lists. The Better Business Bureau suggests that charities must provide donors the option to opt-out at least once a year in their appeals.

When reaching out, it helps to include the mailing label or return card from the recent appeal. It’s also important to ensure the envelope is properly stamped and marked “Remove Name” or “Return to Sender,” as charitable postage does not cover return costs.

For further details on this issue, resources are available at Give.org.

A Family Dilemma About Finances

Another letter comes from an individual whose mother passed away last year. Now, at 50 with a 52-year-old brother who struggles with money management, the writer feels conflicted. The brother is easily taken advantage of, yet he refuses assistance.

The writer wonders whether to seek a guardian for him or let him navigate life independently, considering their already strained relationship. There’s a hesitation about whether taking control might worsen their bond. Still, the writer feels guilty about potential mismanagement and believes their mother would want them to help. — Brother’s keeper

Response to Brother Keeper

Dear Brother Keeper: I extend my condolences for your loss. It’s unfortunate these concerns weren’t addressed earlier. I recommend contacting a lawyer, as your brother needs guidance, and you seem to be the only one who can look after his best interests. It’s crucial to engage him in this discussion, even if it feels uncomfortable.