My Nonprofit Reviews
ChickMac
Review for Salesian Missions Inc, New Rochelle, NY, USA
It is with DISAPPOINTMENT that I write this review. I am a long standing contributor to the Salesian Missions, making donations 3-4 times a year.
My DISAPPOINTMENT is twofold.
1) Although I have received THANKS from the mission for my long and generous history with them, upon writing to Father Mark, Director of Missions, relative to my concerns, cited below, my loyalty has been rewarded with SILENCE / NO RESPONSE.
2) In summary, I shared the following with Father Hyde. Upon receiving requests for donations for some other organizations I reviewed the ratio between their administrative / fund raising cost versus funding of direct recipient services.
Upon reviewing similar information relative to Salesian Missions, what I noticed was that while they report a ratio that seems to be favorable, I began to think.
Are the donations they receive truly being applied fully, and effectively to assist recipients in need of services. Specifically, the Missions fund raising policies, in relation to my donations. What I mean by this, are the frequent mailings I receive requesting donations, most of which come with 55 cents in return postage. SEEMS LIKE A WASTE, since how many times a year do they expect most supporters to donate.
But, when you think about it, the concern goes deeper. It is the $11,000, 6 times a year ($66,000 per annum) in sweepstakes. While I laude the Missions’ work, I have a dilemma. Since my contributions are meant to be used for direct assistance, their value seems to be negated by the funding necessary for the postage and the sweepstakes.
In my letter to Father Mark I advised him that given the above I regretted no longer being able to justify contributing. Although I expected to receive a response from Salesian Missions / Father Mark, as noted above, this courtesy was not extended to me.
In the end, if we believe in the Good / God’s Works of the Mission, we shouldn’t need to be enticed by a monetary reward.
JUST thought I’d share my DISAPPOINTMENT.
For these reasons, I give the Missions fund raising efforts One (1) Star.
A.J.C.
First, we sincerely apologize for the delay in response. At the time of your comment, we were transitioning to our new director, Fr. Gus, and with COVID-19, we have been adjusting to a new normal. We are sorry to hear your feelings. We can assure you that we take our role as stewards of your donations very seriously. As you noted, we do have a healthy ratio where the vast majority of the dollars raised go directly to our missions. We do love to communicate with our donors and share the great work and the needs. We do our best to communicate in a timely and cost effective manner, but always allow people to reach out and request their communication preferences. We would love to discuss your concerns and share more about the work we are doing and how we use donations. Please call us at 914-633-8344. Thank you!
