1. Q: Who is calling me…is this a telemarketing company?
A: No – our staff is made up entirely of current Carleton students we have screened and hired based on their experiences and passion for giving back. We’re able to give the students valuable work experience and build their communication skills while they help their school succeed. This also gives you the opportunity to find out what’s happening on campus, ask questions, voice concerns, and support Carleton by making a donation.
2. Q: I am on the National Do Not Call List. Why are you calling me?
A: Carleton University is a charitable organization. “Do Not Call” lists are designed for telemarketing companies. However, if you ask us not to call you again, we will include you in our own “Do Not Call” list and tailor your record accordingly.
3. Q: Where are you calling from?
A: Our phone program is located in 4104 Human Computer Interaction Building, right on Carleton’s campus. Students call from Carleton University phone numbers. The main office line is 613-520-2600 ext. 3636.
A: Our Annual Giving objective through the phone program is to contact all of our alumni, parents, and friends so that the University can keep in touch with you and ask if you would like to give a donation to one of our current priority funds, or a fund you have supported in the past. We also want to make sure we have your up-to-date contact information so you can receive Carleton outreaches including relevant newsletters, event invitations, etc. We also want to say thank you for past philanthropic support, provide information on current Carleton priorities, and ask for your support.
5. Q: Why can’t you just send me something in the mail?
A: We often contact alumni, parents, and friends through the mail. However, we believe that the chance to speak with a Carleton student personally allows us to share more information on Carleton’s funds and respond to your concerns directly.
6. Q: Why do I get so many calls from Carleton?
A: We do our best to call only a few times per year. If you do get more than one call in a single evening, please let the caller know and we will do our best to ensure that it does not happen again.
7. Q: My spouse and I are both CU alumni. Why do we both get calls?
A: You both get personal calls because we want to give each of you personal attention and identify an area you personally care about and would like to donate towards.
8. Q: When can I expect my call?
A: Our phone program runs all year, so you may receive a call from one of our student callers in the summer months as well as the fall, winter, and spring. We will not call on holidays. We typically have our shifts Mondays to Thursdays in the evenings, 6-9pm EST, and sometimes have Sunday shifts running 1pm – 4pm EST. Occasionally we will call for special invitations or thank you’s during the day on weekdays.
9. Q: Why do you ask for so much money?
A: Our ask amounts reflect the size of your average gift, or generally giving if you have not given before, as weel as the current needs of the university. We understand if these amounts are beyond your reach at this time. However, participation in the phone program at any level is greatly appreciated.
10. Q: Why do you ask me to increase my gift every year?
A: Any increase in your giving helps the University tremendously in making a difference in the lives of students and the programming, resources, and learning they have access to.
11. Q: How does my gift make a difference?
A: Never underestimate the impact of your gift! Gifts of any size make a difference to students and the university. Plus, alumni participation is one of the best measures of how graduates feel about their university and the education they received. Your participation demonstrates your endorsement of Carleton and your commitment to current students, and helps build lifelong pride among all graduates.
12. Q: What happens after I make a donation with a student over the phone?
A: After confirming the dollar amount you wish to donate and the area you’d like to support with the student caller, you can make your gift over the phone by credit card or request a donation package be sent to you in the mail.
If you use your credit card your gift will be put to use immediately and you will help us reduce our mailing costs.
If you opt to have a letter sent out, please return the donation form with your gift as soon as possible.
You can also fulfill your gift online at FutureFunder.ca.
In all cases, you will receive a tax receipt for your donation. If you make it over the phone or by mail, you will get a tax receipt mailed to you in about 2 weeks. If you make your gift on Future Funder, your tax receipt will be emailed to you immediately.
If you have any further questions regarding the phone program, please email Katie Stigter, Annual Giving Coordinator, at KatieStigter@cunet.carleton, or call at 613-520-2600 ext. 4099. Thank you!