Responses from Discovery Interviews

If you do a discovery interview about why and how people give, here are some of the kinds of things you might hear:

I know how hard it is for advocacy groups to raise money, so I only give to them.

I’m mad about what’s happened to our country. So I only give to alternative media now, because they are getting the information out about what’s really going on and people need to know the truth in order to take effective action. By supporting alternative media, I’m feeding all the social change movements I care about.

I’m a “promiscuous” giver. I give to whatever catches my attention in the moment. I have a short attention span, so I don’t stick with anything very long.

Christ talked about “the least of these.” So I only give to organizations that feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and house the homeless.

I got called by a young woman from the college I went to. She was bright and personable, and I have to admit I started flirting with her a little bit. I made a pledge in the moment just because I was enjoying the conversation. The college keeps sending me letters but they haven’t gotten another dime from me.

If your group has government funding, then I don’t give to you.

A guy called me up and started making his pitch. I was sure I was going to tell him no, but then he said one thing that made such good sense that I wrote a check and was happy to do so.

I’m like the MacArthur Foundation, a very tiny version. Don’t call and ask me for money. I find the people I want to give to on my own. And I give to support leaders who I find inspiring. I don’t really give to causes or organizations.

I have to have a personal connection with the nonprofit before I give. Maybe volunteer, maybe be on the Board, maybe have friends working there.

I give to exotic causes like saving aardvarks or conservation in Tierra del Fuego. I just get a kick out of it and it’s great for conversation starters. People always remember me.

I give to struggling grassroots organizations that are in and of the community. If they have wealthy donors, I pass them by. I like supporting the groups that are not popular.

I only give to local groups. For example, I adopted my neighborhood school. National education reform is too abstract for me.

I only give to national organizations that are making the really big changes.

I don’t like it when someone gets personal with me. Just present your case, then I give you a thumbs up or thumbs down. That’s how I make my decisions at work.

If you don’t make a personal connection with me I don’t give. Someone once gave me a PowerPoint presentation. Just for me. Didn’t ask me one question about what I cared about. I felt bad for her. I wish she had just talked with me. She was so earnest and actually very likable. But I didn’t give her anything.

My daughter died of leukemia, so all my contributions go to research to stop cancer, because I hate it so much.

I only give to programs that work with neonatals, infants, and toddlers. I believe if we give kids the right start, that will take care of a lot of the world’s problems.

I only give to seniors who have worked hard all their life and when it comes time to retire have nothing. I want them to know they are not forgotten.

Imagine another million comments all different.