In your experience, what’s happening with charitable donations?
We have a story online today about the United Way’s fundraising goal this year. It’s campaign drive runs Sept. 9 through early November and the agency hopes to raise $66.5 million — a million more than last year’s goal, which the United Way beat.
Our story says that “last year, the annual drive beat its goal of $65.5 million in the last week, bringing in $68.4 million. The 2007 campaign raised a record $68.8 million but fell short of its goal of $70 million.”
The first comment on our story is from a reader who says, “Good luck in this economy. We have suspended any and all giving to anything for now.”
Are you in the same boat? On one hand, the need for charity is bigger in a bad economy, right? More people are out of work, need help, and the agencies that depend on charity struggle. On the other, those of us who donate to charity have to tighten our belts.
Is charity the area you choose when you’ve got to rein in your spending? Do you continue to live up to charity commitments? Are you part of a charitable organization that’s grappling with these issues?
Kurt has been an editor at the Post-Dispatch since August 2002, working on both STLtoday and the newspaper. He's been a journalist since 1982, covering municipal government, courts, education and two hurricanes as a reporter before becoming an editor. 
Given that so many of the charities such as the United Way have been continuously embroiled in one scandal after another, I don’t see as there’s a reason to give to them anymore. I don’t want my contribution funding someone from Chesterfield to take a trip to the Bahamas by capitalizing on my generous nature. So I’d say, if you see someone on the street that looks like they could use it, slip them a few bucks and bypass the cheaters in Chesterfield and Ladue.
You can’t get off of money you don’t have. Charities are going to struggle in a bad economy along with those that have lost employment. I’m on a fixed income and there by able to continue to contribute in a small way.
A good friend of mine has been working for Enterprise Leasing for well over 30 years. They have a big drive for the United Way. Years ago he hated to give out of payroll deduction because the United Way had a large number of cars leased from Enterprise, most being Cadillac. As I said that was back in the late 70’s. I don’t know it that is still going on. I just heard on the radio this morning that as much as 25% of donations go to administrative cost. That seems a little high but what do I know.
Despite various government entities taking most of my discretionary funds in taxes and fees I’m still able to make modest cash donations to worthy and effective private charitable organizations.
One thing people often overlook is the direct value of donating time and labor. Physically fit people can volunteer at a food bank, animal shelter, housing rehab, senior citizen center or many other activities. Mowing an elderly or disabled neighbor’s lawn or raking leaves is a form of giving and requires no government or non-profit bureaucracy.
Less fit folks can still volunteer to just visit and provide emotional support through hospice, nursing homes, hospitals or personal contacts. People who sincerely want to share their own blessings will do it. People who don’t will find excuses or lobby for another government program to ease their guilt.
The St. Louis United Way’s administrative costs are 10% of donations. First Tom, as you said your information is from the 70’s. As someone who has received help from United Way agencies more times than I care to name I am more than happy to give back to those who have helped me.
Take a look at the agencies that receive money from the St. Louis United Way and see if they have affected you or your family in any way. If you have questions about the United Way give them a call and give them a chance to answer them rather than believing half-truths posted on blogs.
I have been blessed with still having a job and will be raising my contributions to charity this year and cutting back elsewhere. I just want to make sure that services that have helped me in the past are there for others who will need them.
Peace!
Moderator’s Note: Sorry, this is off topic. And we’re not sending the conversation in this direction.
Folks,
I appreciate everyone’s participation, but let’s got get fixated on whether we like the United Way or not. I used the United Way announcement as a peg to hang the question on: How is the economy affecting your charitable giving, or, if you’re a charity, how is it affecting your ability to do business?
My department here at work takes on a ‘100 neediest’ family every year at Christmas time. I do donate some money and time to that. When I do donate, I like to know that ALL of my money is going to the charitable cause, and not overpaying a bunch of administrative costs.
I always give some of my time along with any money I donate to any charity. They all need help along with $. I also feel that I then am part of what is being done and know that the money and my time is appreciated. It teaches my grandchildren the right things too! I got burnt a long time ago with a badly run charity and now if I am givingmy time I have talked to the people involved and know that I am really helping make a difference.
To answer the question directly, the economy is not affecting my charitable donations. I am fortunate enough that myself and my wife are gainfully employed at the time being, so ‘the economy’ hasn’t affected us.
I’m not giving anybody anything right now. We’ve been very hard hit by economic circumstance and charity begins at home.