I am personally torn. The impetus and momentum is a good thing and a boon to non-profit orgs. Yet, the timing is not ideal. Many orgs have end-of-fiscal year giving drives that this effort can derail and actually drive smaller per-donor gifts and/or this is the season of fundraising auctions and galas and this can also be a distraction for those well-planned events.

I also think the Seattle Foundation should be able to state what the stretch pool is, be able to actually put Foundation dollars commitment behind the effort – if even it is a minimum.

And... then there is the long-term impact. For organizations to grow and thrive, they have to rely on a life-time value relationship, unmitigated and unmediated, between donor and organization. This event can derail that.

So, I question as to whether this truly is, as you referenced in your short-version: "If you intend to give any money to a Seattle-area nonprofit this year, today is the day to do it."

I just don't know.

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