Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
This is part of The Globe and Mail's in-depth look at the evolution of philanthropy. Read more from the series here.
In the lead-up to the launch of The Globe and Mail's series on giving, the Globe Catalysts (a group of more than a thousand engaged readers from across the country) dove into an online forum discussion with columnist Margaret Wente on the topic. Scroll down to review some highlights from their exchanges, and we're opening the floor for all readers to share their personal stories of giving and advice.
Share your philosophy and advice in the discussion window below. For a mobile-friendly version, click here.
"Are there certain causes that are over/under funded in your view? One example I can think of is breast cancer, which has gained tremendous support both because it affects a lot of people, and because it's a women's issue, and because it's a way for big companies to show support for their female employees. But sometimes I think about those poor ignored folks who get lung cancer. (A friend of mine died of it.) No one holds runs for lung cancer victims (for obvious reasons, I suppose -- we blame the victims)." - Margaret Wente
"My bias is towards giving my money to smaller and hopefully more accountable, charitable organizations. I research (thank you Google) as thoroughly as possible. While it is no guarantee against misuse, it does provide a certain amount of satisfaction that I am involving myself in the process." - David White, Muskoka, Ont.
"I really look to what I think is the impact of the charity to assess whether I give or not ... I'm not so fussed about the 'admin fees' because I totally understand that there are administrative costs involved." - Ferg Devins, Toronto
"I both donate and have participated on boards for over 20 years. As governmental support disappears, organizations are becoming more and more dependent upon the generosity of the general public, even for basic survival." - Ann McLaughlin, Hamilton, Ont.
"I am concerned about the quality of governance of many charitable organizations ... Board members are often selected for their fundraising connections instead of their skills in providing good oversight of their organization and its management." - Terry Cheater, Winnipeg
"I have mixed feelings about charities. I give money to certain ones where I believe the bulk of the money goes directly to its aims. When it gets big enough to run lotteries, TV ads or mass mailings with giveaways I look for another charity." - Jim Young, Burlington, Ont.
"Like many Canadians, I am torn between the desire to give more and a concern for my own family's long-term well-being – and, it must be admitted, our enjoyment of certain 'good things' now. I know I should be giving more." - Mark DeWolf, Halifax
"Most of the causes I support are local because that's the easiest way to keep track of whether the money is used well. With international charities, it's just too hard to find out for sure where your donation is going." - Katrin Horowitz, Victoria
"There should be tax receipts available to volunteers who give assistance to the underprivileged." - Connell Broden, Toronto
"Even mainstream charities bombard donors with unsolicited stuff such as cards, pens, address labels, etc. It feels as though it's a war out there, with charities trying to attract and retain donors by whatever means." - Julie Rudd, Vancouver