Calls to give donors more control

CHARITY donors should have total control over the types of begging letters they are sent, fundraisers said last night.

Anyone who gives money should also be able to choose how often they hear from charities so they are not ‘inundated’.

The comments come from the Commission on the Donor Experience, a group of charity experts who came together to crack down on aggressive fundraising tactics following a Daily Mail investigation.

The group, led by Sir Martyn Lewis, broadcaster and former chairman of the National Council For Voluntary Organisations, said: ‘Every donor should be given total choice in how they hear from charities, how often and what about. Donors should never be inundated with unwanted communications.’ The group is today publishing a report on how charities can overhaul the way they treat donors. In a survey of more than 1,000, it found that some 87 per cent had experienced an example of what was labelled a ‘worst experience’. These included feeling harassed, pestered, or asked to give more than they can afford.

Some 23 per cent said they had felt ‘emotionally blackmailed’. And just 54 per cent said the charities they support let them choose how or when they hear from them.

Last night, Sir Martyn said: ‘Our research shows that profound change is needed.’