Reasons why we give
I was reading Katya’s blog about why people give. I thought it was pretty interesting and am curious to know if anyone else has any other motives.
Her reasons were:
- Someone I know asked me to give
- I felt emotionally moved by someone’s story
- I want to feel I’m not powerless in the face of need and can help (this is especially true during disasters)
- I want to feel I’m changing someone’s life
- I feel a sense of closeness to a community or group
- I need a tax deduction
- I want to memorialize someone (who is struggling or died of a disease, for example)
- I was raised to give to charity – it’s tradition in my family
- I want to be “hip” and supporting this charity (ie, wearing a yellow wrist band) is in style
- It makes me feel connected to other people and builds my social network
- I want to have a good image for myself/my company
- I want to leave a legacy that perpetuates me, my ideals or my cause
- I feel fortunate (or guilty) and want to give something back to others
- I give for religious reasons – God wants me to share my affluence
- I want to be seen as a leader/role model
