Am I overreacting if this makes me grumpy?

I have two nephews in New Zealand, pretty much grown up now. I have never heard anything from them by post/email/phone, never had presents/cards acknowledged and haven't seen them for six years. Their mother (my sister) and I are estranged.
Today I get an email from the younger one about a film project he has been working on in school for which he is looking for financial support. There is a website and donation facility.
I am in no doubt that his mother suggested he email me, as I very much doubt he would have thought of me himself. Although my sister thinks otherwise, I don't have cash to spare these days.
I find this a bit cheeky, brazen even, although I don't really blame the lad himself. Can't decide whether to give a tiny donation or ignore it.

Re: Am I overreacting if this makes me grumpy?

Only you can decide that
If it were me I'd ignore it - once I've walked away I wont go back. This is a lesson I've learnt the hard way, always went back, only for more of the same, will never do that again ........

Re: Am I overreacting if this makes me grumpy?

Hard to say-I would offer some advice?

Some many years ago I was asked to donate to a fund on behalf of my then retiring headmaster.

I replied;

Dear secretary thank you for your letter to Dear Burridge. As it was an all boys school I can assume Mr would apply?. That fact I have a PhD so Dr may now be applicable seems to have escaped you.

Re: Am I overreacting if this makes me grumpy?

I agree Patsy, I've done the same, you have to move forward and get on with your own life, in this instance I think they're being hard faced and cheeky, I'd simply ignore them and maybe block their emails if they try it on again

Re: Am I overreacting if this makes me grumpy?

Mmm if the only reason for getting in touch was financial I would not be pleased and would reply saying 'I wish you well in your project' .

Re: Am I overreacting if this makes me grumpy?

I agree with what Patsy said ,they only think of you when they want something not any other time .

Re: Am I overreacting if this makes me grumpy?

To be fair to the youngster it's not their fault, he must be pretty young if still at school and may just be doing what was suggested.
Also they are your close relatives and whatever the relationship with your sister it would be nice to have a relationship of some sort with them even a long distance one.
I do understand what you are saying when this is the first contact for ages but I would be inclined to email the youngster asking them how they are doing and about the project initially, and see how they respond before giving any money.
If they respond nicely then you could think about giving a small donation, just my opinion. If you ignore it completely they will not have the chance to see that you are in fact a very nice person they may wish to keep in touch with.

Re: Am I overreacting if this makes me grumpy?

Anita is dead right.
This is an OPORTUNITY to build a relationship which could be rewarding for both parties.
If it does NOT work out, what have you lost - a few lousy quid ?

Re: Am I overreacting if this makes me grumpy?

Being a peace loving type of person I agree with this.

Re: Am I overreacting if this makes me grumpy?

I lost no money at all - just my self worth and was that worth it ........ No
Families are not all sweetness and light, they can tear you apart - but, I'm speaking from my own experience and nothing would make me relive it .....
It is a decision only Ania can make as she has lived through it ....... we can only give an experience or what we would do ........