Should I tell my clients I donated 10% of what they paid me?

By David_R 🔸 @ 2024-12-21T02:31 (+18)

Hi I'm new here so please feel free to let me know if I'm breaking any norms but I'll cut to the chase:

Last year I began freelancing and generated about $50K. Do you think it be weird/ pompous to let them my main clients know I donated 10% of that to Give well's top charities?

I was thinking of slipping a note about that into a holiday gift package. I would love to introduce them to EA charities and maybe get them interested in some but don't want to be strange and hurt my business.

david_reinstein @ 2024-12-21T11:03 (+6)

Probably depends on how you describe it and frame it. How do you explain why you are telling them this? If you’re willing, you might do a trial on this. Do something like divide your clients into two random groups and send this message to half. See if you observe any difference (try to keep track of the numbers as well as the more qualitative outcomes like how they respond to the card)

David_R 🔸 @ 2024-12-21T18:17 (+1)

"How do you explain why you are telling them this?"

I'd say something like it has been such a pleasure working with you that I feel the need to give back to the less fortunate. X charity seems to me to be the most effiecent way to do that as far as I know and I couldn't have supported it without you.

"Do something like divide your clients into two random groups and send this message to half."

Interesting idea.

PabloAMC 🔸 @ 2024-12-21T10:16 (+4)

I guess it is ok to mention it, particularly in a holiday gift. Specifically I would feel it is ok to mention what it achieved without being preachy. Some companies use smaller amounts (1%) to signal social impact.

David_R 🔸 @ 2024-12-21T18:20 (+1)

Thanks for the feedback!

"Some companies use smaller amounts (1%) to signal social impact."

My company isn't currently big enough for 1% to have any impact though 😅 I was actually thinking of potentially donating 20% of revenue by matching clients' donations to EA's top charities up to 10%.

PabloAMC 🔸 @ 2024-12-21T19:00 (+3)

If you feel uncomfortable with being preachy perhaps donation matching may feel more so than just highlighting that you are donating a percentage of earnings.

David_R 🔸 @ 2024-12-21T21:22 (+1)

I hear that. Donation matching shows it's not just preaching for no reason.