Employee requesting donations?

CAHR

Do any of you have a policy that you could share (even just a paragraph or two) regarding employees requesting donations for certain charities/fundraisers? I have always been told that this is not wise to let happen in the workplace - once you let one person start requesting, you must let all..... This person also wants to send out an e-mail to everyone (in 4 facilities) letting them know what he is doing.. my gut says "no" (even though it is a great cause) but think we may be opening up a whole can of worms for future "causes"... would love your thoughts?? Thanks!!

LarryC

We have a "no solicitation - no distribution" policy which limits such activities to non-work areas (breakroom) and non-work hours (break time)and specifies only charitable organization fundraising or sale of personal items (cars, boats, children). On top of that I insist that it be done silently, which means leaving the information in view on a lunch table and no badgering or pestering.

E-mailing everyone in four facilities would not be allowed here. If it's a great cause, it'll catch on without being "sold".

ray a

We allow ee's to do 50/50 fund raisers to help out co-workers only. For example, one of our ee's recently was diagnosed with cancer and is having a rough time. They held bake sales and 50/50s to raise some money to help her cover some expenses like long distance travel for treatment that is not covered by insurance. We allow ee's to place posters in a designated area in the cafeteria to advertise fundraising events held elsewhere.

We do not allow mass emailings. Someone did that awhile ago so as a result IT took away the priviliges from all but a select few of us to do mass emails.

Dutch2

We also do not allow everybody emails for such events. We do allow posters to be placed in the break rooms and we have a weekly newsletter that our ee's are welcome to list personal items for sale or upcoming events...

Ok Ray, I am be running behind on getting to the ole coffee pot this morning, but what are 50/50s?

ray a

Where money is collected and the donors are given a ticket. A ticket is drawn and the winner gets half the pot, the other half goes to the "charity". Are you banging your head saying, "duh"?

joannie

We also have a "no solicitation" policy, but we strongly encourage employees to contribute to the United Way via payroll deductions. Our technology policy does not allow the use of e-mail for non company related communications.

allsteaks

Just to add a little twist, we also have a no no policy but we do allow ads in our weekly newsletter. In addition we have committed to certain causes as a company where we ask for voluntary donations or food items for very legitimate causes. Right now we are receiving items and cash to go to the Greensburg Kansas tornado victims. We did the same thing for Katrina, and in fact our location ended up being the largest fund contributor in the corporation.

System

I'm glad to share our policy on this with you. It reads: "Solicitation and Distribution
We recognize that many worthwhile charitable causes, fund raising events and various enterprises of a commercial or political nature exist in the community. We encourage you to participate during your off duty hours. However, participation at BNI in such activities may seriously detract from the effectiveness of normal operations, constitute a hardship and lead to ill feelings on the part of employees.
Non-Employees
Non-employees are not allowed at any time to come upon our premises for the purpose of any form of solicitation or literature distribution. This policy is to restrain third parties or strangers from soliciting, selling, or handing out materials for political, union, charitable, or similar activities. The only exception to this prohibition is community benefit projects which are specifically authorized by the Company, and approved business-related vendor or Company events." Good luck.

Indiana Catbert

Here is our policy reference:

7. NO SOLICITATION/NO DISTRIBUTION POLICY. In the interest of maintaining a positive working atmosphere, XXX limits employee solicitation and the distribution of literature to pre-approved activities, such as United Way campaigns, blood drives, and wellness campaigns. No employee may solicit another employee for any purpose that is not pre-approved while either employee is at work. Prohibited solicitations include selling or encouraging the sale of items such as cooking utensils, scrapbooks, candles, candy, etc. while on company property (during or after work hours). Additionally, the promotion or participation in activities such as school/athletic fundraisers, betting pools, raffles, and chain letters are not permitted. The distribution of handbills or other literature in working areas is also forbidden. Persons who are not employed by XXX are prohibited from soliciting any employee or distributing literature on company premises or at employee work locations at any time.

Nevada HR

This is referring to email, but hope it helps...

2.16.4. Prohibited Use
Prohibited use includes, but is not limited to, the following:

6. Engaging in political activities including, but not limited to, solicitation or fund raising.

HR1409

One of the can of worms to watch out for in future "causes" is allowing or not allowing unions to solicite. If you are currently a union free employer and allowing other causes to solicite then it will hurt your defense if you turn around and say the union is not allowed to solicite. You could be forced by the NLRB to allow union solicitation on your property if you allow other causes.