FAQ about Fundraising
I've never given to you before, so how did my name get on your mailing list?
Where do you receive your funding?
Does the Mission receive any government funding?
Do you sell donors' names to other organizations?
What percentage of my gift goes toward administrative expenses?
Can I get a copy of your most recent financial statement?
Why does the Mission send me all this stuff in the mail?
Can I cut back on the amount of mail I receive?
What should I do if I get duplicate mailings, or have an address change?
Do you conduct telemarketing campaigns?
Do you conduct door-to-door solicitations?
Can I give a monthly gift, instead of getting all of your mailings?
I've never given to you before, so how did my name get on your mailing list?
It is vital that we continually gain new donors. One way of doing that is through special mailings. Once a year, we rent lists of names for one-time use. Your name may have been included on one of these lists which we rent.
If you give a donation to us from this one-time mailing, you will be included in our regular mailing list. If you do not respond with a donation, you will not be put on our mailing list, and there is no need to have your name "removed" from our database.
Where do you receive your funding?
Memphis Union Mission is funded entirely through private donations. Individuals make up the largest portion of our support, and the remaining amount of support comes from companies, churches, foundations, and civic groups.
Does the Mission receive any government funding?
Memphis Union Mission does not receive any government funding (Federal, state, or local).
Do you sell donors' names to other organizations?
To ensure the privacy of our friends and supporters, Memphis Union Mission does not sell, lease, rent, or loan our supporters’ names.
Selling our donors' information to a third party would not only violate our donors' trust; it would be detrimental to the financial health of our ministry.
What percentage of my gift goes toward administrative expenses?
According to our most recent financial audit, 75 percent of all funds received go toward ministry expenses, and 25 percent goes toward administrative and fundraising expenses.
Please keep in mind that our audited financial statements do not include the value of gifts in-kind, nor do they include the value of volunteer labor. (Some organizations include these values in order to make their percentages appear better.)
Can I get a copy of your most recent financial statement?
Yes. You can dowload a copy by visiting our giving page.
Are you a United Way agency?
No, but you can still give to Memphis Union Mission through the United Way's Donor's Choice program. Please keep this in mind if your employer participates in the annual campaign.
Our United Way identification number is #5111.
Why does the Mission send me all this stuff in the mail?
Our letters are the best vehicle we have, other than personal visits and tours, for making people aware of our work and communicating our financial needs to those who are concerned about the people we serve. We know that everyone cannot give every time they receive a request from us, but we also know that it is our responsibility to keep the needs of homeless, hungry and hurting people in front of those who care and can help.
Can I cut back on the amount of mail I receive?
Sure. Simply contact Steve Carpenter at (901) 526-8403 and communicate how often you wish to receive mail.
What should I do if I get duplicate mailings, or have an address change?
Simply send us any necessary corrections. (Mailing address: P.O. Box 330, Memphis, TN 38101-0330). For address changes, it would be helpful if you would cut your name and address from your most recent mailing so we can verify that we are making the correct changes. If you are receiving duplicate mailings, cut the mailing address from all the pieces and send them to us. Indicate what address you would like to have deleted. Please allow six to eight weeks for changes to take effect in the mail you receive.
Do you conduct telemarketing campaigns?
No. Memphis Union Mission does not raise funds over the phone.
Do you conduct door-to-door solicitations?
No. If you are approached by anyone at your door or in a public place, asking for donations for Memphis Union Mission, do not give anything. We don't solicit gifts this way.
Can I give a monthly gift, instead of getting all of your mailings?
Yes. We have a program called the Friends of the Friendless that allows you to give a monthly pledged amount to the Mission. You should receive fewer appeals, and provide the Mission with a steady source of income. To learn more about this program, click here.
