Well, yesterday I donated to LEAP for the first time.
I've put a lot of volunteer hours into LEAP, but I also know that the economy has taken its toll on many drug policy organizations including Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. So I wanted to put my money where my mouth was, so to speak, and become a monthly donor.
The LEAP donation page allows you to set up a recurring donation through your choice of two organizations: Network for Good and Democracy in Action. I clicked on the Network for Good link first because it was at the top of the page. Here's what that experience was like:
- I had to set up an account with a username and password.
- I had to provide my phone number.
- I wasn't able to select my home province from the drop down menu in the address section, because Canadian provinces weren't listed (and yet it lists the "Federated States of Micronesia" as an option.. ummm, okay).
- Network for Good appears to charge a 4.75% levy on all donations, which I didn't find out until after I set up my account.
When I found out about the 4.75% levy, I canceled the donation and decided to donate to LEAP through the Democracy in Action page instead. This is the second option on the LEAP donation page. Here's what that process was like:
- I was able to complete the entire donation on one page.
- I did not have to set up a user account.
- I was allowed to live in Canada while donating to LEAP.
Now I don't want to make it look like I hate Network For Good. Looking at their web page, they state that in February 2010 they facilitated $230,000 in donations to various non-profits per day. That is substantial and they should be commended for that. However, of the two donation options, it was easier for me to donate through Democracy in Action.
What has your donation experience with LEAP been like? Do you have any suggestions on how we could improve things?
I've only made a couple one-time donations through PayPal, so I'm not familiar with either of these two services. It does sound like Democracy in Action was a bit more flexible and convenient though.
ReplyDeleteI don't see anything wrong with the donation process specifically, although I've got to say that the website as a whole could really use a re-work. The organization does too much good work to have a website as cluttered and unnavigable as theirs.
First two donations were done on the main site, not sure what the process was, it was awhile back. Mailed in one donation and then made another donation via emails sent by LEAP.
ReplyDeleteDon't go to the main LEAP site often because it is in need of a makeover. Do remember an administrator saying here once they were aware of the need to update the site.