Gifts to many charities can backfire, placing you on hit lists for other organizations that share information about their networks of benefactors. A donation can place you in the crosshairs of other companies in need of donations, bombarding you with cold calls and mailings and making you feel like the object of one of those “for a good time, call XXX” messages etched on bathroom stalls.

A Frugal Beautiful post laments falling into this plight, explaining how it makes the writer question whether or not it’s worth giving to organizations that can’t respect your privacy. Some nonprofits lack a system to let you opt out of info sharing, getting you stuck in an endless loop of solicitation.

Before you choose a recipient for your charity, it’s a good idea to talk with someone who’s given to that organization about their experience. Also, you might want to speak with people at the organizations about their policies on sharing your information.

Also, remember that there’s also always the option of giving anonymously.

The Do-Gooder’s Dilemma [Frugal Beautiful]

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