WouldItNow
“The idea, the technology, and the promise it potentially shows are some of the key area's looked at, when grant money is awarded.”
The idea behind the Nigerian Scam that you will be helping Government officials out of embarrassing legal problems is a noble one. Did you give?
The technology touted by LOCH was revolutionary. Did you buy?
The promise that 95% of all contributions made to some organizations will go to end the HIV and hunger crises in Africa is compelling. Did you contribute?
How about the lady in the WalMart parking lot asking for money so she could feed her kids? Did you feed her kids, or her habit?
Did you get your house sided or have your windows replaced by the shade tree (tm Detroit77) contractor that promised he could do the work for 1/3 the price everybody else quoted?
Have you bought any magazine subscriptions form 25-year old “high school students” trying to raise money for a worthwhile school project?
Did you give your account information to eBay when “they” requested you update and verify that data?
Have you contributed to any online organizations seeking contributions for Katrina victims?
Or do you actually investigate the legitimacy of those entities seeking money. The potential is always there that all the above could actually come to fruition. The reality is often quite different. Your statement that “they never know if the cause will succeed or not” is true.
Mitigate your exposure - do your homework before giving.