Philanthropy

Does Giving to Charity Do More Harm than Good? This question presented by Allen Lee Brown causes us to question charitable organizations and their intentions. Most charitable organizations claim their desire to see people lifted out of poverty and brought to a place where they have a sense of dignity and no longer depend on handouts.

The Oxford Dictionary defines philanthropy as “the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.” Generous people willing to give money donations, should also confirm that their money goes to a good cause. Allen expresses his concern regarding generous donations and pleads, “Please stop giving to charity.” Then Allen clarifies, “Please stop giving to ‘bad’ charities.” This idea of a ‘bad’ charity implies betrayal of philanthropy in society. The important question is, “Does the generosity and goodness of people help or hurt the people they serve?”

Allen states, “Don’t give to charity when the charity caters to donors at the expense of effective sustainable transformation or at the cost of human dignity.” He further explains that throwing “stuff” at problems only perpetuates poverty and makes the problem bigger. For example, in Africa, many thought they were being generous and doing good, but actually wrecked things for the people. Instead of opening business opportunities for them, a bunch of stuff was thrown at them and then the charity givers patted themselves on the back. In this case, a bunch of money did more harm than good. Sometimes we mistakenly believe that “stuff” will fix a problem.

To find the answer to the question posed by Allen, “Does giving to charity do more harm than good?”, we must look at what we are contributing to. What is being done on the ground? Does this charity actually work alongside communities and families to empower and lift them to a place of dignity and pride and hope for the future? OR does this charity support perpetuating poverty that creates its ongoing dependency on us? Let’s live by and follow Allen’s final words of advice, “Let’s get into it and be wise and even picky to be a part of what works, not what hurts.”