My Nonprofit Reviews

I feel unsure how to assign a rating to this charity, since I think there's much to appreciate about the work they're doing. I've examined their website and read other reviews by contributors, and I feel pretty confident that SJIS is doing valuable work with Native American young people. But I don't approve of their fundraising approach. As others have noted, SJIS sends out a fundraising packet that is overloaded with items that seem to me excessive and inconsistent with respect for nature and for values that go beyond materialism. I've received such a packet not just once but multiple times and finally requested to be removed from their mailing list. I don''t have the means to contribute to many worthy charities I'd like to support. But I also object to this kind of overstuffed mailing with items that are not of use or will end up in the trash before long. I gather that the school operation is successful with their fundraising efforts and must think this kind of appeal works well for them. I suspect at least some people feel obligated to contribute after receiving all these goodies, which include a "reusable" but not washable or recyclable grocery/carrying bag. So maybe that's the school's strategy beyond just making a case for the good work. As someone else noted, their revenue and expense seem out of proportion to the schooling of 200 Native American young people. I know there's need for a lot of staff, infrastructure and materials for such an effort, but I still find the operation somewhat out of proportion to the number served. If I was closer, I would arrange to go there to see the operation and speak to staff in person. I suspect they're very sincere and committed to this work, and that their work has many positive benefits. So I have mixed feelings. As for the fundraising packet they send out, I've seen responses from a SJIS representative that basically talk around this issue without really justifying it and with the same generic promotion for the school's good work. I think they could be equally successful and appear more respectful of nature and tribal values if they stopped this kind of over-the-top mailing. And to be honest, I don't think their response to others giving this kind of feedback is very direct or understanding of the issues we raise. So I hope they'll change their fundraising strategy.