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January 14, 2009

The Unofficial Hierarchy of Donors

The New Yorker writer Bruce McCall offers a tongue-in-cheek program for a charity benefit that offers a window on how average Americans view fund raising.

People who donate the most money to the charity planning this fictional event, for example, are placed in the “Grand Panjandrum’s Diamond Cabal”.

There, they are treated with perks that include “arrival and departure via hot-air balloon; security-check waiver; sedan-chair intra-ballroom transportation; between-courses tableside bar service; tableware from the pantry of the court of Tsar Nicholas II.”

Those who give significantly smaller sums are provided less-ornate service at the event. Donors in the “Brushed-Aluminum Motley” category are treated to a “sandwich; unlimited water-glass refills; simulated autograph of Guest of Honor on cover of official event program; preferred coat-check queue position; use of rest room (depending on key availability).”

While Mr. McCall’s piece is clearly intended as humor, does it ring true? Do charities that host fund-raising events lavish too much attention on generous donors? Or do big donors deserve the special attention they receive?

Click on the comments link below this post to share your thoughts.

— Peter Panepento

Wednesday January 14, 2009 | Permalink

Comments

1. While most event planners craft compensation packages try to be equitable… I think the most important thing is to remember that donors give because they LOVE the institution, not because they got an awesome keychain at an event… I like to add benefits like “Subsidize programming to a family in need” or “make provide funding for a music class in an underserved neighborhood.” Those are things that people feel good about, doesn’t take up space in a home, and is more important that a mug!

   — Nicolas P. Gaudreau    Jan 16, 04:33 PM    #

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