Real Life MMD: Friends won't sponsor me, should I say something?

Ali_UK

I'm pretty generous with sponsoring friends (imo) especially if someone is doing something that requires effort and training (ie marathon) but I'm less inclined to sponsor people doing 5k fun runs etc, I don't know why that's just my mind set.

It's worthwhile bearing in mind that the timing of your request could be all important - best to send round at the start of the month (when most people have just been paid!), I've been known to ask friends to remind me on payday etc.

Whatever you do don't push it any further, one last call for sponsorships just before your event is all you can do, please don't feel negative if people don't give, it's not worth losing friends over!

Mojisola

peachy05 wrote: »

What you may think is a worthwhile cause might not be to someone else. I have my own charities I choose donate to and your friends might have their own charities they prefer to donate to.

This is my stance and it's what I tell all the people who try to emotionally blackmail me into signing up a DD to their charity.

I have DDs going out each month to the charities I want to support. I would give more if I had more spare money but it would be to charities I choose.

dirtmother

Absolutely not!

There could be all kinds of reasons why they choose not to sponsor you for this activity and this charity at this time which they may feel there is little kindness or point sharing with you if you've committed yourself. I can see that it is irritating and perhaps even offensive in some cases to be fobbed off with "I can't afford it" - but if there is an air of expectation in your request, perhaps some feel the need to give an 'explanation' (true or otherwise) rather than ignore it or say honestly "I don't wish to do this at the moment"

torbrex

I never give money to charities anyway and people who know me know this fact so never ask. People that dont know me and ask for money are told politely that I will not be giving any of the money that I have earned to them no matter what the reason and if they ask me again, I am not quite polite in my refusal.

In answer to the MMD, ask once and accept the reply, ask twice and get a slap from the hand of reality.

runmichellerun

It also depends how often you ask for the money. I have a friend who does several charity events each year and, although I try to give if I can, it gets tiresome to receive ANOTHER email asking for money for the third time that year. Last year I sponsored her nothing but explained that I had given my allotted charity budget to charities I chose. She was fine with it.

willow_loulou

To be utterly frank how very dare you assume that because some one has a good job and has some luxury items that they can either afford or want to sponsor or give to charity? I am sick and tired of people asking for sponsorship or rattling tins under my nose at a supermarket. There is an epidemic of it on Facebook, twitter,email etc etc and so many keep on if money is not offered immediately. I like many many others give to specific charity organisations regularly and I feel no compulsion to give to any more, no one has an endless amount of money, good job or not and I do not wish to have to apologise every time I choose not to donate regardless of the event.
I will sponser a few times in a year usually to my children for school activities and feel no compulsion to help some one jump out of a plane or snow board for 6 hours etc because they couldnt afford to do so unless under the guise of charity.

I apologise for my tone, I think like so many I am overwhelmed by so many requests to give money, it seems daily there is something through my door or in my email etc.

nhampson

I am often caught up in this as I am a contractor. I have three standing order to favourite charities plus also contribute to a trust for a family member.

If I am asked I just explain and everyone is happy and leaves it at that.

Personally, I think emailing is a bit lame as you are asking for peoples money and you could at least do the courtesy of asking them in person or on the phone. You couldn't be bothered speaking to them but are concerned they haven't responded. They may well see it as a speculative move and an invite to sponsor under these circumstances and not see that a nil response is required.

onesixfive

No - people live within their means, spend THEIR money on what THEY want, and sponsor THEIR chosen charities; just like YOU choose to raise money for YOUR charity.
You'll probably find that those who can least afford it will donate proportionately most - that's how the rich get richer!
Well done you for doing this! , but dont expect praise & sponsorship from EVERYONE.

cazpost

If I was trying to get friends to sponsor me I would approach them in person.Getting a general email wouldn't encourage me to give my money.If the people live too far away to call on them,then try sending an individual,personalised email,tailored to the recipient.It depends what the charity is,what one person considers a worthy cause others will consider pointless.The actual activity you are doing plays a part too. You have to motivate them to give,either because they believe in the cause,they appreciate the activity,they want to see you humiliated(hair shaving,baked bean bath etc)or there is something in it for them.Just because they have plenty of money they dont have to give it away.Would you give someone your money just because they said you should?

wend33

When I did the Race for Life a couple of years ago my in laws didn't sponsor me and I didn't hold it against them. People who want to support that charity will sponsor you if they can but it's not compulsory and it's certainly nothing personal. I have a group of charities that I support (DD's/Standing Orders's) but will not feel presured to contribute to causes that I don't feel strongly about.