Who gets your support?
I’m a mercenary bastard.
I support charities, but chiefly to avert unpleasant dentist experiences.
I’ve supported everyone from The Big Issue to Greenpeace, but only fleetingly, haltingly and superficially.
I’ve read a hundred times that true happiness comes from serving others.
It can also be rather good for business and branding.
So why don’t I bloody-well do it?
I tried editing The Greens’ newsletter, but found it too distracting.
(I hate working for free, so I put my paid work first.)
I donated to Animals Australia, but I didn’t go to their rally.
(I hate crowds.)
I seem unable to:
Not so my amazing clients.
Mike Boyle of Banjar Group donates ALL the proceeds of his excellent book to The School of St Jude in Tanzania.
Helen Robinett of Image Quest is right into Big Brothers Big Sisters. Here’s what she says:
BBBS is a program run by Try Australia (a 128-year-old Melbourne charity supporting young people and their families).
Why? Easy. Because I had the good fortune to be raised in a stable home with two parents who cared about me. Capable, loving souls who had a crack and did alright I reckon.
I later discovered that what I had is not so ‘normal’. So many kids get a rough start with parents who are doing their best with what they have under difficult circumstances.
I reckon it takes a whole community to raise a child and that’s enough to motivate me to do what I do on the board for Try and BBBS Melbourne. I’ve been actively involved for the past 8 years as a director and 3 years as chairman.
We run a $32m business to support our programs, so as a charity we’re responsible, not hoping for govt handouts. They dry up! We have a couple of major events to raise funds and that’s it. In November we have a BBBS fashion parade.
What I get out of it is huge! Certainly more than I give. I’ve surrounded myself with board directors who are much smarter in ways I’m not. I’ve learned valuable business skills that are serving me well. I also get to hang out with some really cool people.
I’m setting a great example for my daughter in terms of what community means. Walk the talk baby. Don’t just say it, do it! I know I’m a better person for what I do and that’s good enough for me. I only need to answer to myself, no-one else. Bonus is that kids who need it the most benefit from the choice I make every day.
So because of this, I give to nothing else. I’m so clear on what I DO that I don’t have to worry about what I DON’T! I don’t even put money in a tin. And it doesn’t bother me. I get HIGH on what I choose to DO instead! That’s it.
Helen and Mike have connected with a cause and followed through – at length and in depth.
Does this mean there’s hope for the rest of us?
The first half of this post was about me, me, me.
What’s far more interesting is you, you, you.
Your contribution could well make me a better human being.
So please, give generously.
(I gave at the office.)
Thank you for your support!
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Founder & Senior Writer - The Feisty Empire
As founder of The Feisty Empire, Paul has written, edited, proofed and produced print, radio, online, outdoor and business copy for over 1200 organisations of every size and sector. He is extremely versatile, having handled everything from...
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Founder & Senior Writer - The Feisty Empire
As founder of The Feisty Empire, Paul has written, edited, proofed and produced print, radio, online, outdoor and business copy for over 1200 organisations of every size and sector. He is...
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Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 10:29 am
Here’s a comment from our Flip Shelton, who I also hit up for this post. Thanks heaps, Flip!
‘I’ve sponsored a child through World Vision for years (can’t think off the top of my head when I started – maybe 12 years ago because my first niece was born and I thought I should support a child on the other side of the world.)…
I always donate to RSL on Anzac Day because my grandfather was killed during WW2.
Donated recently to Edgar’s Mission because I visited it recently and I always donate to animal causes.
Raised $10K with three other girls in 2009 when we did the Oxfam 100 km walk.
Always give money to breast cancer (mum had it) and Royal Children’s Hospital… whenever asked or fundraisers on…
Also natural disasters – flood, fire – also get cash from me.
So as you can see I don’t have one charity…
I did have one in mind, but they didn’t have any accountablility.. so they don’t get my cash.
I am actually looking for a new charity…didn’t realise it was so hard to give away money.’
Author
Helen Robinett
August 18, 2011 at 2:17 pm
Hey Flip, we’ll have your money! http://www.bbbs.org.au cheers to you! H
Author
Emma Mulquiney Online Editor - MYOB
August 18, 2011 at 10:54 am
I’m with you, Paul, I’m a very non-committal donator! When prompted by and event or someone shoving a tin/raffle tickets/charity item in my face…and will happily do so. I just can’t seem to commit long-term. Perhaps I’m jaded by those ‘sign up for $25 a month’ type people that jump on you in shopping centres?
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 11:00 am
Good point, Emma. You just reminded me of another bugbear – where giving to a charity once triggers a flood of further requests.
I understand that you opt in to their target market when you give. But it has got so bad in the past that I’ve opted OUT of charities because I was seeing my first contribution piddled away on subsequent snail mail campaigns.
This is where Helen’s logic comes into its own. Choose ONE cause, go nuts on it, and tell the rest to bugger off.
Author
Daniel | Propaganda House
August 18, 2011 at 11:52 am
‘Mercenary Bastard’ is probably a bit self critical Paul.
I don’t think you need to be giving directly to an established charity to be charitable. I’ve done free work for various clubs & associations I’m involved with, and while some of these have delivered profits to individuals – they’re usually individuals who need help to get going. By helping these people, perhaps I’m helping them stay off the streets and hence saving organisations like the salvo’s money – so I could almost claim I’m indirectly donating to the salvo’s right?
I think having a charitable attitude is enough – and helping out where and when you can is definitely better than never helping anyone.
As for rewards, good work is good work, whether it’s paid for or not – and good work generates good word of mouth, which nearly always finds its way to someone with money eventually..
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Thank you, Daniel. I can be a tad harsh in my lifelong quest to be a ‘reasonable man’.
You sure sound charitable to me. Thanks for giving us your beaut ideas!
Author
Leah Klugt
August 18, 2011 at 11:52 am
Great post Paul!
I think we have a duty as some of the richest citizens in the world to contribute to the needs of others.
Do you have a No. 1 cause or charity?
I have a sponsor child through http://www.compassion.com.au
I write to her too, and love receiving her little notes and drawings!
For me it was trusting that the money I’m donating will actually GET where it’s needed and not be chewed up by administration costs and greedy people running ‘not for profit’ organisations.
There is a monthly cost which comes out of your bank account.
I also give to the occasional appeals they put out – like for East Africa and the drought. The whole situation makes me sick to my stomach, so $20 is not alot to pay.
http://www.compassion.com.au/content/east-africa-food-appeal/gk3xvd
If everyone gave a little, it would equal a whole lot.
My second favourite is CAP (Christians Against Poverty). This is poverty in AUSTRALIA, helping families that are in the red with their budgets. Assisting them out of debt and the stress that it brings.
http://www.capaust.org/
I don’t think I get anything from it personally, I don’t think that’s the point. We have money, we should give to those less fortunate. (Although I do love my little sponsor girls letters!)
I don’t usually publicise the spending, and don’t particularly believe you should.
I believe half of the point of giving is the attitude of the heart.
Hope this helps at least somewhat so you can come to a decision on who you want to give to.
PS. I particularly dislike those charities that hang around shopping centres, door knock etc. But I suppose they have to get the word out somehow.
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Fantastic comment and links, Leah! Sorry you had dramas making the trek from Small Business Owner. I really appreciate your perseverance.
Your sponsored kiddie reminds me I have a birthday card to send. You’d think, as a writer, I’d be better at this caper! http://myob.com.au/blog/physician-heal-thyself/
I like your thinking a whole lot and am grateful for your contribution.
Author
Irma Zimmermann
August 18, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Thank you Paul and great article Helen. It really is quite interesting why people donate and whom they donate to. Everyone donates for various reasons and is probably very individual to each. I think there is normally some connection or emotion attached to it.
I recently travelled to South Africa this April and visited the Charity I support for underprivileged and abandoned kids in the Western Cape. We also visited ‘Nkosingingiphile’ our World Vision Sponsor child in Swaziland. The trip was an amazing experience and an eye opener for my kids as well as an opportunity to find out more about the challenges that the charity and these kids are faced with on a day-to-day basis. I support by getting involved with the organising of the fundraisers and using my skills such as the building of a website for the charity – to raise awareness and making purchasing of tickets easier.
Why I went and why I donate??
1. I have lived and travelled in Southern Africa a fair bit and have a connection to the place and it’s people. The MamaLumka’s story has been an inspiration to me and makes me feel compelled to try and make a difference. 2. I want my daughters (now 16 & 12) to recognise that there are always people less privileged than ourselves. 3. I wanted to meet our Sponsor child personally and have a closer connection & understanding rather then simply handing money over every month. 4. It may simply be that it makes me feel better about myself 6. But mostly, I think all children deserve a good start in Life.
Has it helped my business and my brand? I honestly couldn’t tell, probably not!
Mama Lumka’s website and her story > http://www.mamalumka.org.au
Visiting my World Vision Sponsor Child Blog > http://bit.ly/i3nJGe
Our visit to Mama Lumka Blog > http://bit.ly/iBlCLI
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Struth, Irma! You’re the gift that keeps on giving! I knew you were a nice lady but … this is MOST impressive.
Your brand just rose 86.4 points on my exchange. Thanks so much for sharing!
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 12:47 pm
An anonymous donor just contributed these thoughts:
‘I’ve tried to give at least 1% of gross over the years. I think my long-term contribution is 1.8% or so. It ain’t much but it’s a good metric.’
Thank you, Anon. I admire those hard-core cats who give away a tenth of their income. I considered it once, but feared I’d encounter tithing problems.
Author
Emma Mulquiney Online Editor - MYOB
August 18, 2011 at 1:27 pm
That’s still an impressive feat. I daresay that my loose change, hastily shoved in a tin doesn’t even come close to 1% of my earnings. (and that’s definitely not because I’m raking in the millions!
)
I tend to donate time and skills, instead of money. When I worked for a former employer, they would partner with a fantastic organisation Children on the Edge (COTE) to send groups of people over to East Timor to play with the kids at their child friendly play space. The volunteers were responsible for raising their own funds for flights, expenses, etc…and I design the yearly fundraising calendar to help kick start the fundraising kitty. It’s always created from photos from the last group of volunteers, so while it’s a bit of work (anyone else out there ever tried to coordinate public holidays for the whole of Australia?), it’s good fun and a bit of good karma at the same time!
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Nice, Emma! As I write heaps of corporate comms, I’m seeing a real trend in firms who wish to be seen as employers of choice.
Some donate hundreds of bucks each year on behalf of their staff to the charity of their choice. Some give two days paid leave for staff to work with their fave charity. And there are various lesser measures popping up with increased frequency.
Given our aging, shrinking talent pool, this could be the way to attract and retain top talent down the track.
(BTW, ace work sorting out the new-comment heads-up emails. Makes things heaps easier.
)
Author
Emma Mulquiney Online Editor - MYOB
August 18, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Well ‘technically’ I didn’t do a thing beyond stamping my feet. And I didn’t even know it had been resolved until you gave me the heads up
Perhaps I’ve been a little too scary about the whole thing….
But I’ll take the praise
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Must be those Doc Martens ten-ups!
Author
Anna @ Copybreak
August 18, 2011 at 1:33 pm
With so many people and causes needing support, it’s hard to know who needs your support most and where to draw the line (sadly we’re all dealing with the rising cost of living).
In the past year:
– I’ve supported the Heart Foundation http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Pages/default.aspx by giving $1000 of my time as a door prize at a fund-raising event (having survived 3 heart surgeries from a congenital defect, it’s a cause obviously close to my heart in more ways than one!);
– donated time and goods to support Project Musso http://www.fnb4wd.com.au/webcontent15.htm a local initiative of my business group to help those in the QLD floods (a 4WD was fully restored, loaded with household goods and delivered to a family who lost everything);
- and am currently supporting Hills Disability Housing http://www.hdh.org.au/vision.html by rewriting their website copy free of charge (currently in progress) and helping raise funds in the City to Bay Fun Run this September – again, through my local business group http://www.mbbg.com.au/about-us.html. Our target is $10,000
I also try to support the RSPCA, since animals can’t form support groups, seek counselling, or fund raise on their own. They’re completely at our mercy, so I give when I can.
But of course, between the floods, the Christchurch earthquakes, the Japanese tsunami, the famine in Somalia and all the other tragedies throughout the world, there’s only so much anyone can give. When I can’t afford cash, I at least try to help others in little ways to make their life better if I can. It might not be much, but every little act of kindness makes a difference.
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 2:41 pm
By jingo, Anna. If my gob gets smacked any more today, it’s likely to drop off!
What an amazing community of kind, clever cats we have here. I was expecting a line or two from a few folk. Instead, I see a depth to you and our other readers that I never knew existed. Thank you for laying it all out for us!
Author
Anna @ Copybreak
August 18, 2011 at 5:52 pm
I’ve been fortunate to receive so much from others throughout my life, so it’s nice to be able to give back where possible
Author
Irma Zimmermann
August 18, 2011 at 3:29 pm
Way to go Anna! It’s not how much, how often or what one gives. I think we all have the capacity to make a difference to someone less privileged than ourselves somehow and in our own way.
Author
Anna @ Copybreak
August 18, 2011 at 5:54 pm
Likewise Irma
Sometimes even just stopping to listen to someone can be considered an act of charity. It’s not always just about $$, but like you say, doing what you can to make a difference… however that may be.
Author
Phil Owens
August 18, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Business versus personal philanthropy….
Personal philanthropy is often our way of ‘giving back’ and being connected to something larger than ourselves. Often it is causes that have a direct impact on us (as many have described here) that have the strongest pull on our share of ‘giving dollars’. After some experiences, I am a supporter of neonatal intensive care units, along with a ‘mixed bag’ of other routine targets.
Business philanthropy is a different fish altogether. It can serve a company in a some really important ways:
1) it builds the ‘story’ of the company, and defines a value set others may find appealing. It may also generate goodwill on the basis that others give (or wish they gave) to the charities that the company supports. It can lower the boundary of ‘us and them’ – by appearing generous and ‘warm hearted’ the company creates a brand value (‘generosity’) that may just extend to you, their customer.
2) It unconsciously triggers positive associations to your spend (“well, some of this is going to a good cause!”)
3) It has been shown that teams that have been given ‘donation dollars’ and decide as a group how to donate it to worthy causes on behalf of the company get greater psychological reward (and creating a better team spirit) than simply giving the individuals the same amounts as personal cash incentives. Giving builds teams and social connectivity, and makes people feel good.
Business philanthropy can be a great thing for business.
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Ripper analysis, Phil! You could get on the radio with this sort of stuff …
You remind me that while it’s easy (and deeply cathartic) to bash Ronald McDonald, you can’t really touch his House.
Author
Phil Owens
August 18, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Thanks Paul
Know anyone who can help me get there???
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 2:30 pm
I may, Phil. Check out http://www.be.com.au/ . I think your content could be right up their alley. From there, it’s a microstep to radio. If you like the look of this crowd, email me and I’ll make my contact aware of your phenonenal talent.
Author
Thomas
August 18, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Donating is best left to the individual not the business. A business shouldn’t get involved in philanthropy for the following reasons.
1) It removes the choice of individuals of where the funds get donated too.
If a customer get a cheaper price from a company that doesn’t donate to a charity, the customer can choose to donate to the charity of his or her choice. This is also true of the owner who can choose to donate the income/ dividends to charities of choice.
2) It also promotes the idea that making a profit is bad. Business exists to make a profit (well in an ideal world that is).
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Thank you, Thomas. Our forum depends on diverse views, so I’m very happy to have yours.
Author
Phil Owens
August 18, 2011 at 4:06 pm
I see your points, Thomas. When it is inauthentic and limiting the choices of people, then I think your stance is a valuable one. In a competitive and often crowded market, it may come down to competitive advantage. If there is no inflation in the price to customer, and the shareholders agree or approve of the donations, then it is ‘no foul’. THe ‘giving’ may increase profits by influencing customers to purchase from them instead of competitors.
The view that ‘profit is bad’ is certainly around with some consumers, and maybe taking the sting out of this with a bit of giving may be beneficial to the view of profit in the long run?? Im all for businesses making a profit!!
Author
Thomas
August 18, 2011 at 4:49 pm
My opinion is the shareholders should donate the funds as they see fit. I think the giving in the name of generating sales is actually a pretty poor argument, especially in light of some people thinking profits is bad. As a business owner and a free thinker we have to get away from that mindset.
By trying to gain the “appearance” of being a responsible company (by donating profits) is somewhat deceptive in my view even though for the noble cause of increasing sales / profits.
I donate money and time to various charities.
I has taken me some time to appreciate Milton Friedman, but for the most part he is spot on.
Author
Suey
August 18, 2011 at 3:29 pm
What a great topic!
I give to several causes for various reasons. I’m personally interested in the environment and animals but also the plight of communities less fortunate than us.
The reality is, we’re a rich nation and others are not. We can afford to donate without it being a sacrifice. Any travel beyond the western world will demonstrate that or Peter Singer’s book ‘A Life You Can Save’ spells this out really clearly, if you need convincing.
One particular experience of mine is working with a community in West Africa, to help them build a school (they’re now doing so much more than that http://www.mali-initiative.org.au/). This is life-changing stuff and is the most important thing I have ever done.
The corporate world has a lot to offer too. So many Australia based charities could not survive without corporate support and the rewards for the business, from a staff engagement perspective, can be so incredibly valuable.
So, it’s pretty simple to me. If you’ve got more than you need (time or money), then give a little away because a little bit often goes a really long way. It sounds cheesy but it’s true.
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 4:06 pm
You little ripper, Suey! I was so hoping you’d table your tale. When I first heard about you travelling alone in Africa to build a school, I felt unworthy to touch the hem of your kaftan. You were just a slip of a girl, but you were actually, physically, changing The World for the better. Many thanks indeed!
Author
Ruth Bruten
August 18, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Hi Paul,
It is super hard deciding which charity to support. And I imagine we all feel a tad guilty when we give more support to some over others. Never a win win I suppose
Some of the smaller ones need more support than the bigger ones- but we can’t give to all.
I guess for our family it is a choice of who has most meaning at the time. This means the charities we donate to change.
At the moment the charities I donate on a regular basis are:
The Royal Children’s hospital in Melbourne- as we had our 5th child there in intensive care for a week 2 Christmases ago. His life was saved on several occasions while he was there. we experience first hand the AMAZING job these people do in an environment that is severely underfunded. Whatever I can give back to them I absolutely & wholeheartedly will.
The Wilderness society- I feel it is imperative to give support to the association that helps continue to fight for the Australian environment that we sometimes take for granted. I want it to be around for my 5 children to enjoy as much as I have.
Medecins Sans Frontieres- all humans deserve good quality medical care regardless of their situation. These guys work tirelessly in the most horrendous conditions to do so.
Oxfam- my children donated their ENTIRE Xmas money to this charity last year. My children were impressed with the way they are creating education to communities about sustainable agriculture.
Author
Emma Mulquiney Online Editor - MYOB
August 18, 2011 at 4:56 pm
What a great charity portfolio Ruth! I especially love the part where your children donated their Christmas money – what a fabulous and selfless thing to do! (reflects amazingly on the values you have no doubt raised your children with!)
I struggle with my charity choices, if I donate to overseas causes I feel guilty when there is a great Australian cause that I then cannot support (a hot topic given the natural disasters that have plagued us this year), and then when I put my coins behind Australian charities, I also feel bad, given the privileges we have as a nation – I should be supporting third world countries who have it so very tough.
Author
Ruth Bruten
August 18, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Thankyou for your kind words regarding my kids & their values. Yes I do think they have incredible values. Fair point Emma re o/s donations. Medecins san Frontieres has MANY MANY Australian volunteer doctors- and I guess my bottom line is that Australia is a VERY VERY wealthy nation and our government puts in a huge amount on terms of disaster relief relative to war torn or disaster struck areas elsewhere.
I think really we will feel bad about not donating to some over others- well anybody with a moral base will. Its just how it is. We have to make a decision somehow n what is relevant to us. that’s how I see it anyway.
If you want to donate here, locally- that is just fine. I think it is admirable for people to donate- full stop.
Author
Mike Boyle
August 18, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Paul
Great topic and one we at Banjar Group are very passionate about. Like you and others today we too were bombarded by ‘pitches’ and calls for us to donate from the traffic lights to the letterbox. It was frustrating and sad because through a pure lack of ‘position’ on this we felt ashamed and pressured, dammed if we do dammed if we don’t.
Then 2 things happened.
We made a decision to really take our brand to the public and make a statement about what we do and stand via it. Banjar of course is the Balinese word for community and values. We became clear on our purpose for our business.
We watched an Australian Story episode on School of StJudes and the work of an Australian called Gemma Sisia
Through tears of sadness and hope we committed that night online with our kids to sponsor every year a dorm at St Judes, 8 girls and 8 boys. I had no idea the effect this may have on us. Our children now right to the kids, send drawings etc. It supports our brand of ‘learning’ and community. It has forced and allowed us to think very differently about what we do home via our schools programs etc.
This is our 4th year now of sponsorship and will keep doing it. From the Sales Cats book which we give away and only ask for a donation we think nearly 10K has gone to St judos.
Paul the point here:
You have to understand your purpose and primary aim in life first.
You have to stand for something or you fall for everything!
Your brand is never some great design job it is WHO you are, authentic and real
I have discovered that everything i have given away, be it time, money or an ear has always paid me back two fold. You are perfect proof of that
I don’t know where and why our support of ‘community’ will take me but wow its fun waiting to see.
regards
Mike – the Sales Cat – http://www.banjargroup.com.au
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Thank you, Mike. Both for your comment and for inspiring this entire post. You really are one of the good guys. I’m sorry your comment got snagged by The System. It was WELL worth the wait. Best regards indeed, P.
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 4:50 pm
FAB to see you here, Ruth! Many thanks for your fine hit list. Nothing gives more pleasure than an Oxfam Christmas goat. It actually feels good to transmogrify kind gifts intended for oneself into barnyard animals for overseas communities who have FAR fewer shirts, DVDs, bottles of red and such.
Author
Ruth Bruten
August 18, 2011 at 5:08 pm
we fully love the goat love too Paul.
But our thing is piggies!
Oxfam have been VERY savvy with their branding. My kids can identify and feel like they are doing something tangible. Clever work by their peeps!
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Agreed, Ruth. Critters are winners!
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 4:53 pm
More on goats … http://myob.com.au/blog/gift-rap/
Author
Paul Hassing
August 18, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Goatcam! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmLogrfKvtg&feature=player_embedded
Author
Damien Mowlam
August 18, 2011 at 5:50 pm
G’day Paul,
A very interesting blog! As Try Australia’s CEO, I have found the posts most informative and thank everyone for their opinions. From my perspective, I don’t have a preferred external charity, my favourite are the ones that I am directly involved in – Try and BBBS! (obviously, a bit of bias there) When I do donate to charities the questions I ask myself are ‘what’s the cause?’ where is the money going (is the fundraiser paid?), could this organisation be working more closely with similar causes and finally will my donation have an impact for the beneficiary in the longer term?
I have a wonderful time every day seeing the very generous donations and the outstanding outcomes that the money and / or expertise brings.
Damien Mowlam
CEO – Try Australia & BBBS Melbourne
Author
Paul Hassing
August 19, 2011 at 9:56 am
Hi, Damien, and welcome to our discussion! How fabulous to have your unique perspective. It was very good of you to take the time. I’m glad you dug the comments. With any luck, we can raise some serious interest in your worthy cause. Best regards, P.
Author
Lorraine
August 18, 2011 at 8:14 pm
This is a timely post for me, Paul. This morning I’m scheduled to speak with a friend who founded a maternal health NGO. He needs help with website copy and I will work with him pro bono.
I also wrote the website copy for another friend’s Nicaraguan NGO: http://www.nicaragua-quest-for-peace.org/
And I wrote a cookbook to benefit a small non-profit organization run by friends.
For ten+ years we sponsored a girl in a developing country.
We donate annually to our children’s schools: Money and time. I also donate copywriting for their website and marketing and fundraising materials.
We donate regularly to our church–a good part of our donations go to disaster relief and causes in the developing world.
I donate regularly to a community center in the Bronx–I know the woman who founded and runs this organization. http://www.mercycenterbronx.org/
I give sporadically Doctors Without Borders and to disaster relief.
What grips my heart more than anything, however, are animals. I donate regularly to several animal welfare/rights and horse rescue organizations. I’ve also written copy for a non-profit children’s equine organization.
Mostly I give for selfish reasons: It helps me to give. It assuages the rage and powerlessness I feel when I read about animal abuse. It lightens some of the guilt I feel as a first world person who benefits from privileges I did nothing to earn.
Gratitude is also a motivation, e.g., I give to give back a tiny bit of what my children’s schools have given us. And our sponsorship of a child in a developing country was motivated by gratitude: We were thankful that our daughter was born healthy. By mere chance of being born in the first world to middle class parents, she has every opportunity to live a full, happy life. So many girls in the world don’t.
Thus far, I haven’t tied charitable giving to my brand—but can see the possibility of doing this in the future if I think it would help fundraising.
Author
Paul Hassing
August 19, 2011 at 10:42 am
Wow, Lorraine; mercenary you AIN’T! Thank you for another wonderful missive from across the waves. I’ve long considered you The Copywriter’s Copywriter. Not only do your comments resonate like fully-fledged posts, they reveal ever deeper layers to your find mind. I’m enjoying the journey. Best regards indeed. P.
Author
Paul Hassing
August 19, 2011 at 10:48 am
… I totally forgot to mention I’m completely with you on the animals thing. Here’s the latest:
http://www.animalsaustralia.org/take_action/turkey-live-export-investigation
Author
Gayle
August 19, 2011 at 2:06 pm
I love these topics! As General Manager of Mummy’s Wish (a charity providing practical support and information to mums with cancer) I love to know what motivates people to donate.
I personally donate to many charities, and usually ones that have helped family members such as the Leukaemia Foundation, Movember and others (Mummy’s Wish included) on a regular basis, but also many when asked. I also buy numerous art union tickets too which support charities.
Author
Paul Hassing
August 19, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Welcome, Gayle. We’re really attracting the heavy hitters today!
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. 
Author
Mandy Stevens
August 19, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Hi Paul,
Excellent article! Through my work with the Fundraising Directory, I spend my days in the land of ‘grassroots’ fundraising – the type that mum and dad volunteers do for their kids’ schools or sports clubs. Compassion fatigue is something that everyone making the ‘ask’ has to deal with, but for the most part, people like yourself are happy to help out in little ways so that the smaller organisations can keep on keeping on…
For our part, instead of sending Christmas cards or gifts to clients and suppliers, I make a donation each year to the Malambo orphanage in Panama. A friend of mine is an expat in Panama City, and regularly volunteers at the orphanage, and the need there is humbling. I send her money directly, and she buys things like baby wipes and nappies that they often run out of. I am lucky that my entire contribution can make a difference without any overheads because of this personal connection. I can highly recommend choosing a charity to be the recipient of a Christmas contribution in lieu of client gifts. We send an email message to clients showing them the good being done, and they do genuinely appreciate that rather than a gift.
Best regards,
Mandy
Author
Paul Hassing
August 19, 2011 at 4:36 pm
Hi, Mandy, and thank you. (Your site looks fascinating!) It has been revelatory to see the breadth of causes our readers support, and yours is no exception. I’m totally with you on the Christmas thing. Most of us already have way too much stuff!
Author
Sonia Cuff
August 22, 2011 at 9:59 am
Paul, I hate to break it to you …. but it’s not about you : ) Whilst charities certainly love & rely on ‘regular’ donors, none of them would turn away an extra $5, $10, $20 donation as a one off. The thing is, it’s all about the power of numbers, and I mean the number of donors (in addition to the amounts). I’m sure there are hundreds if not thousands of Australians who support charities ‘willy-nilly’ with no long-term committment to any one cause. And that’s actually ok. Because your little one-off donation when added to theirs is like grains of sand forming a beach. If you don’t have any one particular cause that tugs your heartstrings enough to make a long-term committment, then commit to giving on an ad-hoc basis, randomly, as things spark your attention. Don’t feel guilty about it or think you’re not making a big enough difference. Together, with everyone else, you are. If you haven’t donation anything to anyone in a financial year beacuse you don’t know who to choose, so you’ve kept it all to yourself .. then you can feel guilty!
My ’cause of choice’ is the State Emergency Services. With our own business and varied income, I find it easier to give my time than my money. I can’t even begin to tell you how rewarding it is, even when it’s not appreciated, and I get to escape from my computer and being mum. Two business, two small kids, and I give away time? I’m blessed to be able to be flexible with my work hours, so as long as I get done what I need to, it doesn’t really matter when I do it. Having a very supportive husband is also a pre-requisite. The next time you see some SES orange, it might be me.
-Sonia.
Author
Paul Hassing
August 22, 2011 at 10:02 am
Fantastic response, Sonia! Thanks very much for your reassuring words (and lovely analogy). I feel better already.
I will keep an eye out for you on the telly. Please take care out there!
Author
Kate James
August 23, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Great post Paul and it’s generated some interesting commentary. I’m both a regular and and ad hoc donator. My preference has been to support kids as much as possible, with the view that they are our future so if we can give them a boost the world will be a better place.
We donate to the Alannah & Madeline Foundation on a regular basis http://www.amf.org.au/, to Oxfam http://www.oxfam.org.au/ and to a preschool in India http://www.bholu.com/bholuland/schools/bholu-8/. The Indian preschool is pretty unique…it’s a project started by Jodie Fried of Bholu and has made a huge difference to that small community.
I also do some pro bono work for Reach Foundation http://www.reach.org.au/ – another fantastic organisation running some amazing programs for young people.
And we do a little bit of adhoc donating to Red Cross, the Salvos, Kids Under Cover, the Royal Children’s and a few other random charities.
At the moment I find it easier to give more money than time but I’d love to think that in years to come I’ll be able to put in more hours. I think ultimately, this is the most rewarding.
But as Sonia says, every little bit makes a difference and just raising this topic on the blog helps to put it in people’s minds. So you’re doing your bit Paul.
Author
Paul Hassing
August 23, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Thanks a lot for stopping by, Kate. Yours is another view I was keen to glean.
Was it you who put me onto The Girl Effect?
http://www.youtube.com/user/girleffect#p/a/u/1/WIvmE4_KMNw
I found this a mighty powerful video and it sounds much like your kind of scene. Best regards, P.
Author
Kate James
August 24, 2011 at 8:37 pm
I did Paul! Thanks for remembering…it’s a great little clip isn’t it?
Author
Paul Hassing
August 24, 2011 at 9:16 pm
Ah, good, Kate. Yep, it’s a ripper alright! Thanks for flagging it!