IMHO It's time to raise awareness of the need to give donations to charities.

Richard1212

As the King said in his Xmas Message, it is even more important to give to charities, or take part in charitable activities, during this time of hardship for many families in Britain and abroad. I have given 5% of my earnings to charities (on a rotating basis) since my first salary was paid into my Bank over 50 years ago. On top of those monthly payments, I have also contributed for lengthy periods to crises which arise unexpectedly---for example, I have most recently been donating monthly payments to the Red Cross appeals in relation to Ukraine and Somalia.

I also donate to various UK charities as part of my 5% regular payments, especially cancer research and Macmillan Nurses ( and, like mine , I am certain that many forumites have seen their families hit by cancer). 

I fervently hope that in 2023, we will see a lot more posts on this rather moribund Board.

And I hope that we will see more about the needs of charities on the more populous Boards when forumites are asking what to do with their windfalls or other large sums of money ( I have never seen one reply to such questions containing a suggestion to give even £10 to charities out of a windfall or large savings accounts or share profits). Nobody is asking for people who are struggling financially to give money to charity. But it is clear that there are some wealthy people on this forum who are not shy in listing their share portfolios and savings amounts----all I am suggesting is that "expert" advice might raise such people's awareness of the crucial role that charity donations make in a civilised society.

A Very Happy and Charitable New Year to all.

Undervalued

Richard1212 said:

As the King said in his Xmas Message, it is even more important to give to charities, or take part in charitable activities, during this time of hardship for many families in Britain and abroad. I have given 5% of my earnings to charities (on a rotating basis) since my first salary was paid into my Bank over 50 years ago. On top of those monthly payments, I have also contributed for lengthy periods to crises which arise unexpectedly---for example, I have most recently been donating monthly payments to the Red Cross appeals in relation to Ukraine and Somalia.

I also donate to various UK charities as part of my 5% regular payments, especially cancer research and Macmillan Nurses ( and, like mine , I am certain that many forumites have seen their families hit by cancer). 

I fervently hope that in 2023, we will see a lot more posts on this rather moribund Board.

And I hope that we will see more about the needs of charities on the more populous Boards when forumites are asking what to do with their windfalls or other large sums of money ( I have never seen one reply to such questions containing a suggestion to give even £10 to charities out of a windfall or large savings accounts or share profits). Nobody is asking for people who are struggling financially to give money to charity. But it is clear that there are some wealthy people on this forum who are not shy in listing their share portfolios and savings amounts----all I am suggesting is that "expert" advice might raise such people's awareness of the crucial role that charity donations make in a civilised society.

A Very Happy and Charitable New Year to all.

I had thought about replying to your previous thread but it seems to have vanished?

I find myself somewhat conflicted by the charitable sector in the UK. Obviously there is a huge number of excellent charities who are deserving of support. Sadly too there are others that seem to exist more for the benefit of their staff and any "good" that they do is secondary.

Also there are a significant number of charities that, although operating perfectly legally, do not really fit my idea of a charity at all. 

I feel a significant re-think of the whole sector is badly needed. If this were done properly I feel the genuine organisations that fit most people's idea of what a charity should be would benefit.

Before I retired, I had a number of large well know charities as clients for my work. In some cases I had serious misgivings about how they spent their money. Ultimately it was not my concern, I did what was asked of me to a good professional standard and submitted my bill at my normal rates. However, it is unlikely I would ever consider donating to those organisations.

So, whilst I applaud what you claim to do all I would say is choose wisely and don't assume that all charities are worthy causes deserving of your money.

rubble2

Undervalued said:

Richard1212 said:

As the King said in his Xmas Message, it is even more important to give to charities, or take part in charitable activities, during this time of hardship for many families in Britain and abroad. I have given 5% of my earnings to charities (on a rotating basis) since my first salary was paid into my Bank over 50 years ago. On top of those monthly payments, I have also contributed for lengthy periods to crises which arise unexpectedly---for example, I have most recently been donating monthly payments to the Red Cross appeals in relation to Ukraine and Somalia.

I also donate to various UK charities as part of my 5% regular payments, especially cancer research and Macmillan Nurses ( and, like mine , I am certain that many forumites have seen their families hit by cancer). 

I fervently hope that in 2023, we will see a lot more posts on this rather moribund Board.

And I hope that we will see more about the needs of charities on the more populous Boards when forumites are asking what to do with their windfalls or other large sums of money ( I have never seen one reply to such questions containing a suggestion to give even £10 to charities out of a windfall or large savings accounts or share profits). Nobody is asking for people who are struggling financially to give money to charity. But it is clear that there are some wealthy people on this forum who are not shy in listing their share portfolios and savings amounts----all I am suggesting is that "expert" advice might raise such people's awareness of the crucial role that charity donations make in a civilised society.

A Very Happy and Charitable New Year to all.

I had thought about replying to your previous thread but it seems to have vanished?

I find myself somewhat conflicted by the charitable sector in the UK. Obviously there is a huge number of excellent charities who are deserving of support. Sadly too there are others that seem to exist more for the benefit of their staff and any "good" that they do is secondary.

Also there are a significant number of charities that, although operating perfectly legally, do not really fit my idea of a charity at all. 

I feel a significant re-think of the whole sector is badly needed. If this were done properly I feel the genuine organisations that fit most people's idea of what a charity should be would benefit.

Before I retired, I had a number of large well know charities as clients for my work. In some cases I had serious misgivings about how they spent their money. Ultimately it was not my concern, I did what was asked of me to a good professional standard and submitted my bill at my normal rates. However, it is unlikely I would ever consider donating to those organisations.

So, whilst I applaud what you claim to do all I would say is choose wisely and don't assume that all charities are worthy causes deserving of your money.

I would echo the points made in this post. I too dealt with some charities when I was running my business and was surprised to see the expensive head quarters buildings in the most expensive locations in town and the rows of company cars parked outside.

I also had cause to visit 'behind the scenes' in the charities high street shop premises and could see the aggressive sales target information posted on the staff noticeboard (the majority of the staff of course being unpaid volunteers'.

Not saying that there is anything intrinsically wrong with all this but it certainly caused me to  think carefully about where to make any future donations.

MovingForwards

Many people on this forum help local charities, fundraising events and other ad hoc issues close to them, they just don't feel the urge to start a post about in an attempt to shame others, or be seen as bragging, and merely mention it in passing. Perhaps you are looking at the wrong boards.

Maybe those with windfalls have already donated and are seeking ideas with what to do with the leftovers.

Windfalls to the average person are life changing, they'll probably never have that money again and want to make the most of it to set themselves up for life or make their lives easier. 

It could be the difference in clearing the mortgage or being able to buy a small home without a mortgage, finally being able to reduce hours at work instead of continually pushing to work full-time with health problems.

I could list numerous possibilities, but feel this thread will go the same as your other as it's not what this board was set up for and there's no general chat board anymore.

theoretica

The argument that there are some bad eggs among charities seems to me a very poor excuse for not giving to any.  There are plenty of charities I choose to avoid benefiting, but I don't see that it is fair or reasonable to use their existence as a justification for avoiding all charities.

Undervalued

theoretica said:

The argument that there are some bad eggs among charities seems to me a very poor excuse for not giving to any.  There are plenty of charities I choose to avoid benefiting, but I don't see that it is fair or reasonable to use their existence as a justification for avoiding all charities.

Who suggested that? Certainly not me.

Richard1212

theoretica said:

The argument that there are some bad eggs among charities seems to me a very poor excuse for not giving to any.  There are plenty of charities I choose to avoid benefiting, but I don't see that it is fair or reasonable to use their existence as a justification for avoiding all charities.

I totally agree, theoretica.  The main points in posts so far ( not that many forumites have taken an interest) is that we should all be very careful and choose very wisely before donating to charities---giving an impression to some folk that charity donations are a very risky business and that a donator may just be throwing away their money.

Of course, we all need to check the background, accounts etc of the charities we donate to--- that's just common sense. But most of them are all that are keeping research, help, food-aid etc etc going at all. We have a long history in this country of helping charities both here and abroad, but I fear that nowadays a lot of folk are doing as you suggest, theoretica. 

In response to another comment----from MovingForwards----I can only say that this is not idle chat. It is talking about a very serious matter which has its own board on this forum ( even though nearly all forumites choose to ignore it and never post).

It was also MovingForwards who said " Windfalls to the average person are life changing, they'll probably never have that money again and want to make the most of it to set themselves up for life or make their lives easier ". Are you seriously suggesting that a ten quid donation to charity would make a difference to such a fortunate person------or indeed to ANYONE in this country who is not living in poverty ? And as for your inference that loads of forumites are giving to charity but think it is "bragging" to tell us about it..........all I can say is that a mention of £10 or 1% or something similar(or naming a charity that someone supports, without giving any figures at all) would be nothing like "bragging" at all, especially when members post details regularly of their share-holdings, their lump sum savings and much more info that might be viewed as "bragging". Giving to charities is not a form of "bragging"----it is using a Board which has been legitimately placed on this Forum ( though very rarely used) in order to raise awareness relating to a crucial matter which should be a high priority in all civilised countries which are amongst the top economies in the world.

Once again.....a very happy and charitable New Year to all forumites. 
And to those in the UK  who are in hospices or living with terrible illness ; and to those in Ukraine, Somalia and so many other parts of the world.

MalMonroe

Richard1212 said:

theoretica said:

The argument that there are some bad eggs among charities seems to me a very poor excuse for not giving to any.  There are plenty of charities I choose to avoid benefiting, but I don't see that it is fair or reasonable to use their existence as a justification for avoiding all charities.

I totally agree, theoretica.  The main points in posts so far ( not that many forumites have taken an interest) is that we should all be very careful and choose very wisely before donating to charities---giving an impression to some folk that charity donations are a very risky business and that a donator may just be throwing away their money.

Of course, we all need to check the background, accounts etc of the charities we donate to--- that's just common sense. But most of them are all that are keeping research, help, food-aid etc etc going at all. We have a long history in this country of helping charities both here and abroad, but I fear that nowadays a lot of folk are doing as you suggest, theoretica. 

In response to another comment----from MovingForwards----I can only say that this is not idle chat. It is talking about a very serious matter which has its own board on this forum ( even though nearly all forumites choose to ignore it and never post).

It was also MovingForwards who said " Windfalls to the average person are life changing, they'll probably never have that money again and want to make the most of it to set themselves up for life or make their lives easier ". Are you seriously suggesting that a ten quid donation to charity would make a difference to such a fortunate person------or indeed to ANYONE in this country who is not living in poverty ? And as for your inference that loads of forumites are giving to charity but think it is "bragging" to tell us about it..........all I can say is that a mention of £10 or 1% or something similar(or naming a charity that someone supports, without giving any figures at all) would be nothing like "bragging" at all, especially when members post details regularly of their share-holdings, their lump sum savings and much more info that might be viewed as "bragging". Giving to charities is not a form of "bragging"----it is using a Board which has been legitimately placed on this Forum ( though very rarely used) in order to raise awareness relating to a crucial matter which should be a high priority in all civilised countries which are amongst the top economies in the world.

Once again.....a very happy and charitable New Year to all forumites. 
And to those in the UK  who are in hospices or living with terrible illness ; and to those in Ukraine, Somalia and so many other parts of the world.

Hi, while I appreciate that your intentions are of the very best, it's difficult to know exactly what you are expecting here.

So far, your OP has had 125 views which means that people are definitely taking notice of what you say - even if they are not responding. But what is it that you are actually wanting we forumites to do? Donate to charity and then post about it? That's not something I would do. I don't just donate to charity with money but also by giving my time. And it's not even to the 'recognised' charities either. For example, I give my time to neighbours who are less able than me who are struggling to do shopping or cleaning, as and when they need it. I give money to small animal charities in the area where I live because I know that the money they receive will be used wisely and well. I'd give more if I could but as a pensioner, it's difficult. There are many, many people like me - kind hearted and willing to help. And I never would post anything on the charity board because I know that I am not an exception.

It's quite insulting to read comments such as "the main points in posts so far ( not that many forumites have taken an interest)" and "Giving to charities is not a form of "bragging"----it is using a Board which has been legitimately placed on this Forum ( though very rarely used) in order to raise awareness relating to a crucial matter which should be a high priority in all civilised countries which are amongst the top economies in the world" because you have no idea what anyone does for any charity. You are making assumptions that, on this site, there are very few people who care about those who are not as fortunate and we really do not know that to be true. If you have information to the contrary, please do post it.

Have you read the information here - https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/site/mse-charity-fund/?

It's an eye-opener. 

I, for one, don't like to read posts about my failure to support charities. There are so very many charities needing support. I choose the charities I do support very wisely in order to ensure that what I give is going to direct to the cause I support. I'm sure we've all read about the Oxfam charity debacle. And the RSPCA one. Unscrupulous people really damage the good work that most honest people working in charities do.

I don't think that there's going to be a rush for any forumite to declare what, when and where are the charities they have supported on this forum, and I don't think it's appropriate either. There's no need for us to defend ourselves. 

This was the intended function of the board -  

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/180867/charities-board-welcome-and-the-rules/p1

I do hope that you can find a suitable outlet for your very worthy cause and undoubted enthusiasm and I may be wrong but I don't think that it is appropriate here. Certainly not by criticising (without any official research facts and figures) we forumites who, I'm sure, are always doing our very best!

strawb_shortcake

As has been pointed out this charities board hasn't been set up to record individuals charitable donations either by £ or %. 

By its very nature this is a money saving expert forum and as such people use it to ensure maximum value for their money. 
This forum allows individuals to discuss their finances, savings and investments with anonymity at a depth individuals do not share face to face with friends, family or colleagues etc. Most topics on here would not be discussed at the dinner table. When I had a windfall I sought advice from here rather than people I know as I did not want it common knowledge I had 6 figures in the bank.

By contrast, my charitable work, donations (to an extent)  and support is talked about in the real world with peers. 

Richard1212

I am sorry Mal that you do not see the purpose of my post. It is not meant to be anything but "publicity" for this neglected Board and for the whole concept of making everyone who can afford it think about making charitable donations. 

You say : "I, for one, don't like to read posts about my failure to support charities". I never said that at all. I DID say that it might be helpful for those advising folk asking for advice what to do with windfalls and very large savings and many shares .....to consider contributions ( no matter how much) to charitable causes as well as the usual suggestions which are made dozens of times a day on this forum. My post was meant to make people focus a bit more on charities and also on this Board which compared to money-making shares' and savings' Boards is a neglected place on the forum. So much could be discussed here on this Board about the charities closest to different members' hearts and news of successful charitable enterprises. But as you say by way of emphasising that point, after 125 views of my post hardly anyone has responded constructively----and, indeed , it could be argued ( as by theoretica in an earlier post) that charities are actually being criticised in a way that may be construed as making donations and also merely discussions on this Board not worth bothering with).

As for annababana's habit of discussing her wealth , her savings and shares etc with forumites rather than close family and friends ( "peers" as I think she said) ---but not discussing charities on this Board----well, I would have thought it would be the "other way round" or, at least : "if I can talk about my personal finances on forum, why can't I talk about charities especially in a general way ie by way of lending support for charities in general or otherwise. I am baffled.

I stress again that the only points I was trying to make were (a : this Board, placed on forum for use as a place of discussion and exchange of info/ideas/experiences/knowledge etc is a rather forlorn and forgotten place for posts compared to most of the other Boards;
and b) : wouldn't it be a good idea if the many suggestions made elsewhere on this forum every day to questions about where people should invest their windfalls or very large financial holdings could just sometimes mention the possibility of a token amount for charitable donations where appropriate.

No other agenda, no accusations , no ranting about "failure to support charities"----just a suggestion about this Board which was placed on the forum for a reason ; and to highlight the need for the charity donations or work that many of us give or carry out. Sorry if other "messages" or agendas were inferred.

Happy and Charitable New Year to all.

soolin

I suspect a lot of people donate regularly and just take it as 'something they do' without seeing a need to post on a special board that they are doing it. I don't post my own history of voluntary work  but just mention it on other threads if it has some relevance to a post I am making and certainly don't feel there is any benefit in me giving amounts of percentages to explain how much I donate in time or money.

I shop several times a week and don't feel the need to post anything on the shopping board either- it's just life.

We all have our favourite charities, but would it serve any purpose to all start posting with links to charities that we feel passionate about? Yes the board would be very busy but with just a stream of single post threads with charitable links that I don't think would assist anyone. Perhaps one suggestion might be a 'charity of the week' or month type post, with a charity or forum user invited to put up a post with some in depth background information on a specific charity, I'll put that to the Forum team to see if it is something that might be useful going forward.

This board has always been a bit ambiguous as to its purpose with the headline explanation being 'For posts that benefit registered charities with the aim to help support them where possible – including sponsorships, donations and more." but having to do that without using identifiable information or for your own benefit- so it's a fine line. I suspect a board like this is never going to be high priority, and I think that's right- the boards that do get all the traffic are those giving specific advice about debt, consumer rights etc - and to me that's  what this forum is for. realistically a moneysaving forum doesn't need a charity sub board at all except perhaps for things like reminding users to gift aid if possible .