A myth about nonprofits

Re "How much of your donation actually reaches charity?" (Our Region, Jan. 1): How sad for the many worthwhile nonprofit organizations in California that The Bee chose to sensationalize the portion of donations raised from commercial fundraisers in 2007 that reached charities.

By stating that "just 43.6 percent of the $370 million in California donations went to the charities," you helped sustain the public myth that nonprofit organizations are not effective or efficient stewards for their donors.

What was not said was that donations from commercial fundraisers represent a small portion of overall giving and that the majority of nonprofits return 75 percent or more of their income directly toward the fulfillment of their mission. So while commercial fundraising is not always efficient, most of the billions of dollars donated in California each year are raised without using these expensive techniques.

Ironically, an editorial in The Bee the same day encouraged more resolve than ever in our philanthropic efforts. With a struggling economy, the need to contribute to our nonprofits is greater than ever. The many Californians who have long supported the dedication and achievements of our nonprofit sector will respond positively to the plea. Unfortunately, others who read this article on commercial fundraisers will see it as another reason to not support nonprofits.

– David Ljung, Sacramento

Beware outside fundraisers

While your coverage on charities was good, there's more to be said on the subject. Nonprofits that hire outside fundraising companies generally get the lowest return on investment. Better results are usually realized by organizations that have a person on staff responsible for fundraising, even with personnel-related expenses.

However, as a retired campaign director with more than 25 years of service in the United Way system, I can state without reservation that campaigns conducted by federations are far and away the most cost-effective method of raising money. There are no commissions; staff are salaried, and large teams of well-trained volunteers do most of the legwork.

Unfortunately, in the current economic environment, any agency that does not now have a strong fundraising program will soon learn that the train has left the station. Over the next three years, some of the weaker agencies will be forced to close their doors. Fundraising will be difficult for the foreseeable future.

– Robert E. Harrison, Roseville

The importance of giving

Re "Make '09 a year of giving in region" (Editorial, Jan. 1): I applaud The Bee for starting the year with an editorial about the importance of giving. I especially appreciate The Bee's resolution to expand coverage of philanthropy and the good work done by nonprofit organizations. The time is right for a collective effort to create and promote a culture of giving locally.

A hallmark of great cities is the expression of generosity as seen in the support of those who need help, in flourishing cultural and physical amenities, in investment in youth and in widespread volunteerism. It is important for the region's daily newspaper to highlight the opportunities for giving and to report on the many generous acts of local residents. 2009 is off to a good start.

– Ruth Blank, Sacramento

CEO, Sacramento Region Community Foundation

Educate our own children

Re "U.S. long overdue for a makeover" (Viewpoints, Dec. 29): Columnist Thomas Friedman remarks that we educate foreigners as the world's best scientists and engineers; then, instead of keeping them, we send them home. That was the original idea; they were supposed to return to their home countries and improve them.

If we need more or better scientists and engineers in America, we should cease educating foreigners and educate our own children to improve America. We should not rely on foreigners to improve America.

I do agree with his evaluation of the social and economic situation in America and how we arrived at this point. What he seems to have missed is that this is the down curve of a nation's life and development. Our government is run for the benefit of big money, not the people. The next step is some form of dictatorial rule followed by collapse; any historian or competent politician can confirm the trend. Those who ignore history's lessons are doomed to repeat history's mistakes.