On Raising Money for Individuals

After a friend was appalled that Michael Vick’s dogs were going to get rehabilitated, I started thinking more about raising money for individuals. Now, the money for his dogs should have come from the money he was ordered to pay, and I’m not sure my friend knew that at the time, and I’m also not sure if that would have changed her mind.

This topic comes up today because the San Diego-based marine who nursed an earless dog (they were cut off) back to health while in Anbar province was reunited with the dog, Nubs. The story was all over the news about a month ago and had everyone crying. Even CNN ran the story, and I believe directed viewers to a fund they could contribute to.

I could be wrong about the fund thing, but this case made me think of others like it. And here’s what I was thinking: Are you more likely to give money to individuals or to a cause? You must know that when you give to individuals that contribution is not exactly a value proposition. You’re not helping a cause as much per dollar when you’re helping only one individual.

When an organization does direct service, do you think about your donation in terms of individuals served and try to get the most bang for your buck?

Furthermore, do you refrain from giving money to groups that concentrate on legislation because you’d rather help individuals? (Or because you think legislation doesn’t serve your mission?)

And don’t even think about saying I’m only asking about this because we’re talking about animals on this blog. I’m the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of a joint venture that helps foster youth from age 13 to age 23, and the cost per individual is nearly $20,000. When donors hear that number, many will refuse to give and instead look for an organization that has a lower per-unit cost. (Yes, people can be units, too.) Meanwhile, if the kids don’t get the services, the donor–and the rest of us via taxes–ends up paying hundreds of thousands of dollars (potentially), per person, per lifetime, in incarceration, institutionalization and public welfare. Though that can help make $20,000 look like the great deal it is, some people simply will not give because it costs too much to help one person.

Obviously this all goes back to the organization’s mission, and whether it is designed to offer a full spectrum of services to an individual, like Peaceful Prairie and Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary.

So what about you? Are you more likely to give to individuals or to initiatives (like a TNR program)?