What Is Charity, Anyway?

Charity used to be a relative “unmentionable” that was reserved for the “tired, poor, and the huddled masses” of any given society.

But, despite a recorded “whopping” 2% drop in charitable giving from $314.1 billion in 2007 to $307.7 billion in 2008; according to economic analysts, 2007 and 2008 represent the only two years on record where giving exceeded $300 billion.

Natural disasters such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, and worldwide economic shockwaves caused by The Global Recession; have apparently triggered a marked increase in international attention being drawn to the needs of the world’s poor.

Philanthropic efforts began taking a tremendous upturn at both domestic and international levels; and either the establishment or resurgence of the work done by charitable foundations became more widespread and pronounced.

 

So, what is charity, anyway?

Some might say that “charity is in the eyes of the beholder,” and means different things to different people in different areas; based on trends of different times.

 

Heartfelt giving based on assessed needs is described by some givers as charity. The experience of one individual, group, or organization helping others by extending lifelines also fits the charitable contribution model.

 

There is generally the involvement of time, talents, and/or targeted resources whenever charity is being demonstrated. Surprisingly, some still believe that charity happens mainly because charitable givers are allowed to deduct donations and reduce their taxable income.

 

A degree of selflessness on the part of the giver or charitable organization is not only an added benefit to the process of charity; but it is a necessary component in order to ensure that the receiver of the charitable gift maintains his or her dignity throughout the process.

 

Whatever your school of thought is as it relates to charitable donations and philanthropic giving, the reported stats are clearly showing that charitable acts of philanthropy focusing on the world’s needy has not gone out of style.  The gift still seems to be in the giving.

 

This truth regarding charity and philanthropy is providing comfort to a growing number of people since the 21st Century definition of “the world’s needy” seems to have taken on a whole new meaning; and many of those included have a “different address” than individuals may historically have had.

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A.

Co-Founder & President

Lifeline Foundation, Inc.

sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org