Non-Christians! Do you donate to religious charities?

Question

Do you give money mostly to non-religious charities such as the International Red Cross, The Fairtrade Foundation (TransFair in the US) or the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)? Or do you include those with a religious basis such as the Salvation Army or CAFOD (Catholic Agency For Overseas Development)?

This follows on from my earlier question to Christians: http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ahb85QEw8srSII9mF5ma9KggBgx.?qid=20070326122338AAe7NZD

Everybody is welcome to answer, though if your 'faith' is a reason for your choice I'd be interested. And also if you're in the US or elsewhere, in case there's a difference. Thank you.

Answer 1

For those who have no religious beliefs to promote, the ONLY important matter when contributing to charity is whether or not the contribution is going to do what you want it to do. It doesn't matter who takes the contribution or what (if any) religion they or their organization believe in.

Any organization which is going to make the world a better place for my children (and their children) is worthy of my charitable contributions.

I'm a happy atheist! I believe that we should be making the best out of our lives NOW! - not waste time preparing for a (hoped-for!) life to come!

Answer 2

I donated $100 to World Vision last Christmas for the purchase of a goat for a family in Africa, as my parents' Christmas gift (because I'm a student, can't spend a lot, and they aren't materialistic anyway). I checked out charities online from a disinterested website and they had:
A) A good reputation,
B) A lot of the money that I sent them (80%? Something like that) would actually go towards the purchase of the goat.

The fact that they are a Christian charity is irrelevant (also, anything Alex Trebek supports can't be all bad, speaking as a dyed-in-the-wool Jeopardy buff.) They were one of the ones with the best guarantee that my money would be spent where it was needed, and the goat was because of sentimental reasons (family used to run a goat farm), so it worked out nicely.

I spend $264 yearly if my math is correct ($22/month) on non-religious charity, and $50 last year went to the podunk animal shelter where my parents are (incidental charity spending), so I spend more on non-religious than religious. I do shop at the Salvation Army from time to time, and used to work there too.

Answer 3

I won't give for the building of a Church or things like that. But I regularly donate money, food and blankets to the Salvation Army. I donate based on the good of the charity not the background. If a church was collecting money for someone to have an operation, then I would probably donate.

I do tend to favour animal charities, and steer away from children charities which I feel get a large proportion of the money.

Answer 4

I prefer supporting non-religious charities. I sometimes support charities that have ties to some religion, but only ones that don't try to convert people in exchange for help or use the charity money in any way to gain converts or go for missionary trips.

I also try to choose charities where most or all the money goes into actually helping someone and is not just spent on administration costs or something.

I'm an atheist by the way.

Answer 5

I don't give to religious charities unless I know that they don't discrminate against LGBT people. The Salvation Army refuses to hire gays and lesbians, and I've been refused a bed at a homeless shelter because of my orientation. Then they tried to convert me to their beliefs against my will. Plus the other experiences with the Religious Right also has influenced me to not give to religious charities. I want to ensure that my money will go to help an LGBT person in need.

Answer 6

Secular charities are neutral. There is no alterior motive or additional purpose. The benefits of those charities go to anyone who needs them of every race, religion, culture and so on with respect to who they are. I know that that is assured barring the actions of individuals who need to be accountable for their own actions. So that reflects my love and respect for other people.

I give to secular charities for this reason.

I have made purchases and donations to the Salvation Army and the Interfaith Food bank. In recent times I have been starting to change my thinking however. I feel Christians are wanting to take over public affairs and things that we have become accustomed to being secular are not so neutral anymore. I will alwys give though. I give cloths if people wnat or need them, food if I can share it, my time and my prayers are for everyone.

This makes my stance less neutral. Of course I stand by my faith and do not want to see conflict. Conflict is gaurenteed if these neutral areas are threatened though. Then that is interpreted as some kind of sign! Again demonizing me. Putting interpretations on me that are not my own!

I see how Christians demonize other people and through in part my exposure to things like Yahoo answers, I am starting to realize that this is comming from the church.

If there is a group of people that demonize you and de-humanize you because of your faith or for being a non-believer ...well it is starting to sound like Hitler is on his way back kids!

Love and peace.

Answer 7

It depends on the cause, and the charity. I take the time to research where the money goes, and how it is spent, rather than donating blindly.

If more than 75% of the money goes to pay salaries and administrative costs, I don't give them my money.

I'm much more apt to donate food, clothing, and time to a charity and cause, rather than cash. I also make it a point to make sure that the group is working to help people in this country first rather than abroad...for the simple fact that if we can't help and take care of our own, how can we reasonably expect to take of others.

Answer 8

I am Pagan and contribute to Catholic Social Services. They are a wonderful charity that helps anyone regardless of religious preference.

Answer 9

I dont have any religious beliefs at all in fact quite the opposite but a charity is a charity and most do good things for people and its people that are important. I give to all.

Answer 10

I donate my TIME to the Knights of Columbus, not because I agree with the organization as a whole, but because, locally, they do important work for underprivileged people. I think it is more important to donate either time and money locally, where you can see its' effects, and where you know it is doing some good.