Real-life MMD: Should expenses count as donation?

oldnewhand

As so many poster have said; it depends on what was understood in the first place. The charity should have made you aware that financial was necessary as well as you donating your time, maybe you should share some of the responsibility in that you should have asked.
You should not just take your expenses from the donations but if your financial outlay was not made clear you could ask for expenses but if it was me I'd feel guilty because it is a charity and I guess you asked because you feel the same.
Many points raised about charities and how much goes to those deserving help reinforces my own reluctance to give to any charity; not because I'm a tight fisted mealy mouthed so and so but because I prefer to help people in need not those benefitting from the charity name. Shame you can't trust anyone; there are many sham charities.

Barryfan

First of all, well done for taking on the organisation of such an event. How about doing a 50/50 and just take half of your expenses and treat the other 50% as your donation.