Dear All,

Our Director of Development has received the message below, and we
are all a bit puzzled. It sounds a bit strange at a first glance.
Having looked at their website for an overview of what they offer, it
seems as if they are trying to reproduce the idea of a US planned
gift, but with a different take (there seems to be no mention of life
interest for the donor, for instance). I am also a bit nervous about
the idea of the Premium Finance Sponsonrs (unnamed).

It all sounds a bit shady, and I was wondering if this email has
reached others in the sector. I have done a quick online search and
could not find anything about this company, nor James Power, that was
either good or bad.

I can't help but feeling nervous about this, and I remember past
advice from counterparts in other charities that getting involved in
recommending financial services is not something we should be doing.

It is presented as a win-win situation for all - call me a cynic, but
when has that ever happened?!

Has anyone heard anything about this? I'd be interested in hearing
your comments.

Many thanks
Kind regards
Laura




==============================================

I understand that you are the Head of Fundraising for University of
Bristol
Alumni Foundation. The reason I am contacting you is because I would
like
the opportunity to explain to you an extremely attractive new
strategy for
that is currently working very with other independent schools and
universities for raising significant incremental funds at zero cost
to the
charity and without any financial commitment from donors.



I understand that you are a busy person and for that reason I am not
in the
business of wasting anyone's time. However, I do firmly believe that
the
Charitable Gifting Programme that I want to talk to you about will be
of
enormous benefit over the short and long term for your foundation.



You can get some idea of what is involved by looking at our website
(link
below) which gives a brief overview, but what I would really like to
ask
for is 25-30 minutes of your time in order to explain fully the
benefits
and advantages of the Programme because my experience tells me that it
really does need a face-to-face explanation.



There is no cost to the charity or to the donor -- I only require 25-
30
minutes of your time. In the hope that you can accommodate me please
could
you suggest a suitable date and time to meet?



Many thanks and kind regards,


James Power - Development Director

ZERO COST CHARITABLE GIFTING

Mob: 07967 883568

www.zerocostcharitablegifting.co.uk

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.19/955 - Release Date:
15/08/2007
16:55