Greenpeace's bold fundraising strategies echo its aggressive, cutting-edge approach to protecting Mother Nature's greatest gifts.

By Abny Santicola

Sherrington says the organization first tried the successful Greenpeace U.K. approach of having its telemarketing agency do direct dialogue on the street. Telemarketing professionals, after all, are accustomed to quick and motivational conversations, deal with a high rate of rejection, have a high degree of perseverance, and are able to manage a large number of staff. But as Greenpeace USA found out, applying those skills on the street is a challenge, and it failed for the organization.