Why do people give money to charity?

Question

Or is it just a good conscience soothing way of tax relief?

Answer 1

People give money to charity for loads of reasons. If they are really flamboyant about it then obviously they want people to think that they are a really generous person, and possibly so that people think they are well off. There are others who may give money to charity to ease their conscience a little -like after spending £500 on a handbag they may think 'What the hell am I doing when people are starving?'. Then there are others who genuinely want to help others, after all it is unfair that people are desperate when there is more than enough of everything to go around, so we should try to help as much as possible. Then I guess there are some who just do it for tax relief -but don't think that the majority of charity-givers are like that!

Answer 2

What I would like to know is why you need an answer to this question. Are you trying to make a point?

Do you give money to charity? How about time? Do you give your time or money to charity?

If the answer is yes to either, then you should be pleased that your fellow man follows your good example of helping those less fortunate than you for the betterment of humankind.

If the answer is no, then you should quit asking silly questions about the motivations of those who give money, and go do something nice for someone who isn't as fortunate as you for the betterment of humankind.

Answer 3

I agree with your last bit.

I knew a woman once who owned a mob operated bar and in it, I can't tell you how many lives were ruined and changed beyond recognition. The place just seemed to breed sh*it and attract those young lost and aimless kids that were a hir turn away from destruction and she was always there to oblige them.

She was Catholic, adopted strays, took custody of her grandchildren, gave money to every tom dick and harry on the street and spent most of her time on catholic charities. Completely convinced that she was a good person... yet every night and every day she treated her employees like crap and opened that damn bar and watched as one life after another went down the toilet.

She died of cancer... Some blood can't be washed off the hands or conscience so easily I guess?

Answer 4

to help people that you cannot help any other way. The fact that its conscience soothing is a bonus. I didnt know you could claim tax relief on a charitable donation.

Answer 5

I do it because I want to. I do not do it for tax relief. It makes me feel better that I tried in some small way to help others. Those who do it for a tax write off are not doing it with their hearts. That is where it should come from.

Answer 6

It's a way I can make a small contribution to trying to change things for the better, just like I try to buy fairly traded products. Maybe it's just a way of salving my conscience but anyway, I think it's right to give something back, we have so much in the west, we just take our lifestyle for granted when there is so much suffering in the world.

Answer 7

Hmm it partly due to a good conscience but i think it's party to stroke thier own ego. Also it you can show to other people that "you care" about people! That's one of the main reason why some Celebrities get involed with charities, so they can sell more cds i.e bono.

Answer 8

Most people will tell you they donate to charity to support a worthy cause. I, personally, believe that people donate money to charity to make themselves feel better or get a tax break. If you really want to support a cause, quit your job and work for the cause.

Answer 9

A big incentive to give is the tax benefit for the giver. But the giver does get to choose who gets they're money. This is a great way for tax payers to reduce they're taxable income, so less goes to the government. Everyone wins.

Answer 10

I always throw any coins less than 10p into the nearest charity box whenever I buy things from the shop. They're completely worthless to me; might as well give them to someone who will put them to good use.