Would you ever give to religious charities for religions other than your own?

Question

I ask this because I've gotten some odd reactions to the fact that I'm contributing my time and labor (and roses, when they are in bloom) for Hindu pujas and talks. The person who hosts these events (at his home, and at his own expense) feeds from 15 to over 40 people every Sunday. I'm cooking with him once a month as my contribution; he asks nothing of anyone, and will feed anyone who comes to his door.

Would you ever give your time/labor/money/gifts to a religious group other than your own religion? If so, which ones? If not, why not?

Answer 1

I would and do. I'm a Humanist, but I have a deep and abiding admiration for religious organizations that do good work in the world. I'm forever using them as examples of what I'd like to see my own Humanist community do more often.

Whenever I consider supporting a project, I look at several factors:

1. Is it a good cause? Does it address a real problem?

2. Does it serve people of only one faith (or only people of faith), or does it help people regardless of their religion, nationality, ethnicity, sex, age, sexual orientation, and other similar factors? In short, does the charity discriminate? (Habitat for Humanity is an excellent example of a faith-based organization that does not discriminate.)

3. Is it a charity or a fundraising project? I understand that some funds must be spent on administrative costs, but the best charities make sure the vast majority of donations go to actually helping those in need. Are the charity's books open to a reasonable level of public scrutiny?

4. Is the charity's greatest emphasis on helping people or proselytizing? I have no problem with religious organizations encouraging people to seek information about their religion, but I don't want my money to pay for pamphlets instead of food and shelter. Let religious people support those efforts, if they like.

Sounds like you found a really decent person, RV.

Answer 2

None of it has anything to do with my religious beliefs. I base it on the actual organization. Most religion-focused charities spend far too much money on administration costs. The presidents of the organizations have outrageous saleries just so that they can maintain their "non-profit" status. However, I see nothing wrong with donating to charities that happen to have been originally founded by religion. Salvation Army was Methodist founded but that has nothing to do with how the organization is run.

I prefer to give money to charity during celebrity matching programs--where when I donate $100 a celebrity matches that $100. That way I feel like twice the amount of money is being given.

I used to frequently help out at the domestic violence shelter. We have moved and there isn't on here. I donate a fair amount of my time to charities. I volunteer at the animal shelter, the hospital, soup kitchens and previously have done Habitat for Humanity. Currently, I give to St Judes, Goodwill, Dr Phil Foundation, and volunteer firefighters. I also take an angel off an angel tree. I also sent care packages to the soldiers stationed in Iraq. There are many sites that send thankyou postcards to soldiers and it only takes a minute of your time to make someones day.

But for me it's all about the research. 1) I donate to a charity that gives more than 90% to the organization. Not many do so it takes a while to find the few that do. Or I donate during a particular drive when --during that week or month--100% of the donation is going to help the cause. 2) I only give to causes that help out at home. I feel like there are tons of Americans that need my help--why should I sponsor a child in Africa? I feel like there are enough problems here without having to search for others. Food packages are often merely seized by the government or drug cartels of those countries and never reach the poor.

I think the object is to help out those less fortunate. However, giving to organizations that are known to only give 5 cents out of every dollar to the cause they stand behind helps no one.

Answer 3

I donate money to organizations that work in poor countries and the staff and the beneficiaries of the local organizations are mostly Christians, Muslims and Hindus. If people need help it should not matter what their religion is and although I'm an atheist I respect other people's religions. However I try to avoid organizations that prozelytize.

Answer 4

I would give to any religious charity that was not Christian or Muslim.

That's because Christianity and Islam are the Big Two, and they have quite enough power and influence already without my help.

I'd like to see the power and influence distributed more evenly among ALL the world's religions....if none of them are more powerful than the rest, it's less likely that any one can cause serious damage.

Answer 5

Why not? Does it matter through what you're helping others so long as you're helping. People get caught up in the institution of religion rather than religion istelf.

Answer 6

I have already done so.

I am not Catholic - but since I can play guitar, I have been asked to play for masses and get together so that they could have music.

As long as it doesn't get in the way of the practice of my own personal convictions - I have no problem with doing things for anyone.

Answer 7

not to any evangelical religious charity or any charity that requires participation in their rites,rituals,dogma to receive aid from the charity./one,exception is i will buy something from or perhaps a donation to a small child whose religious affiliation i don't agree with. i try not to be unkind to children. no problem with adults who get in my face.

Answer 8

I'll give time, money and support to any tolerant, open-minded group or religion.

Answer 9

Yes. I'm not Christian and I donate to churches all the time... I've baked cookies for bake sales that help the poor, donated to clothing drives...

Answer 10

I'm an atheist who gives to the Salvation Army (Methodist-based organization). They do a lot of good here locally, and they do it without trying to convert anyone. I support the very good things they do to help those who need it.