The Problems About Charity
According to the latest CAF’s UK Giving 2019 report, the trend shows that fewer people are giving to charity. More worryingly, the trend is showing no indication of slowing down. Indeed, it has become a challenging environment for fundraising, especially in the UK, where the public needs to deal with concerns about Brexit-related economic uncertainty. However, the report suggests that while few people are giving, the total amount remains consistent, meaning that few are giving more. The real question you want to ask if why are others not giving to charity?
According to the latest CAF’s UK Giving 2019 report, the trend shows that fewer people are giving to charity. More worryingly, the trend is showing no indication of slowing down. Indeed, it has become a challenging environment for fundraising, especially in the UK, where the public needs to deal with concerns about Brexit-related economic uncertainty. However, the report suggests that while few people are giving, the total amount remains consistent, meaning that few are giving more. The real question you want to ask if why are others not giving to charity?
Indeed, many people have raised concerns about charity donations and campaigns. While some of the problems they discuss already have a solution, others still need to be addressed adequately.
You want a peaceful day at home
Most fundraising enthusiasts tend to ring your doorbell unexpectedly, in the middle of your day off or when you’ve just come back from a long day at work. At that point, the last thing you want is to let the external noise in. You’re at home. It’s the one place on earth where you are supposed to be able to relax. Someone knocking at your door is perceived as an intruder, especially if it’s not the postman. Needless to say, when charities take it upon themselves to invade your privacy and disturb you at home, they might struggle to find you in a pleasant and charitable mood.
You feel like you’re not in charge of the money
While fundraising campaigns are typically run by responsible and sensible individuals, it doesn’t change the fact that you can feel a little trapped by their persistent attitude. Door-to-door charity people tend to want to collect money via a form offering a direct debit arrangement. Sharing your confidential data at the door can make you feel nervous. Additionally, many individuals worry that charities might change the amount of the donation. In reality, charity direct debit is regulated by strict regulations. As a donor, you can at any time turn off the direct debit.
How do I choose who gets my money?
There are over 168,000 charities in England and Wales only. The number of charities has been rising dramatically since 2009, with up to 1,500 new charities created every year. Now, unless you’re a millionaire, you can’t afford to support every single one of those organisations. How do you choose which one gets your money? Things can get even more complicated. If you want to support cancer charities, there are over 600 of them. The public is reaching a saturation point.
People are sick of pointless campaigns
Charities tap into a public display of support, encouraging members of the audience to show how much they care by undergoing a series of challenges. The Brave the Shave campaign from Macmillan encourages people to shave their hair for charity. At which point does charity lose its purpose? Indeed, we all know shaving our hair doesn’t stop cancer – otherwise, barbers would replace oncologists. People who care about the charity don’t need you to take up the challenge to donate. So what is the goal of the campaign?
Can charities redress the balance and make it easier for people to donate? It’s too early to say. But they need to change if they want to survive and defend their causes.