Dear Etiquetteer:
I recently received a fund-raising solicitation from a non-profit, looking to raise funds for work that I am contracted to perform for them in the near future. How does one properly respond (or not)? To donate might suggest that I’ve over-charged them for the work. Should I wonder if they will raise the money in time to pay me? Should I just ignore it altogether?
Dear Solicited:
Non-profit solicitation letters for every cause — social, cultural, local, political, medical, worthy, you name it — flourish like weeds in the garden of our national correspondence. That doesn’t mean they aren’t necessary to the lifeblood of these organizations, or that they are poorly or mendaciously created. They are just so . . . so omnipresent. In the words of the late Stephen Sondheim, “Not a day goes by . . .” You are free to ignore this letter until someone solicits you directly, by phone or in person.
Your work has a value, which is reflected in the fees you charge. Don’t let anyone suggest otherwise. What you do with that fee after you receive it is your business, including contributing to your non-profit client.
Your situation is unique, in that the solicitation will directly fund your own labor for your client. Etiquetteer would question your client’s discernment for sending you this letter, but databases are unwieldy creatures and there are only so many criteria one can submit before pulling a mailing list.
Etiquetteer would encourage you not to worry greatly about your client’s ability to pay you. Non-profits are in a constant state of fund-raising, so the letter you received is not unusual. That said, you might do an internet search for any recent news stories about them for an idea of how they’re seen in the wider world.
Etiquetteer wishes you a successful continuing relationship with your client.