Is It Proper to Ask My Company for Charity Donations?

Dear Experts, I frequently volunteer at an organization and we're doing a fundraiser right now. This organization is aware of the fact I work for a big company so they've asked me to request a corporate donation. My only concern is, my company isn't doing well. In this economy, I'm certain my company won't be able to offer them any money because budgets are so tight. No one got a raise last year and it looks like the same will happen in 2009. Do you think it's a good idea to ask? I don't want this to reflect poorly on me at work but at the same time I don't want to let the fundraiser down. Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question:@kgrantcareersQ#164 Where u volunteer n where u work R separate. If u feel uncomfort asking work 4 donation, there is no obligation 2. @gradversityQ#164 Don't ask if you aren't sure. It shouldn't hurt your reputation, but you need to be able to ask with a clear conscience. @jtodonnellQ#164 Just ask HR/Managment about status of corporate giving right now. They'll tell you whether you should ask. @ValueIntoWordsQ#164 Start w/asking if there is designated person at company who handles charitable giving requests.Gage frm there. @juliaericksonQ#164 Always OK 2 ask esp when u r volunteer. Co's often like 2 support charities assoc w/employees (more) @juliaericksonQ#164 Say u know times hard, no expectation, want 2 make them aware 4 when times better; tell fundraiser truth. @DebraWheatmanQ#164 Tell the fundraiser that the company's performance is down. Will be happy to ask when profitability improves. @beneubanksQ#164 Wouldn't do it to my company, esp. if they're having issues paying their OWN employees. Don't be pressured! @dawnbugniQ#164 OK to ask, respectfully, no expectations, no pressure. Might get no, but never get a yes is you don't ask. Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.