Unlock Your Philanthropic Profile: Your Unique Giving Style

Giving to charity is often a testament to humanity's capacity for kindness. But why do some people readily offer support while others remain indifferent to those in need? Is it simply a matter of financial means, or is there a deeper motivation at play? Are individuals of faith more inclined to help than those who do not adhere to religious beliefs? Do feelings of guilt drive our generosity, or do we seek validation through acts of kindness?

Rooted in empathy and compassion, the belief of "doing good" echoes the universal principle of treating others with the same kindness we desire. This ethos is fundamental across various spiritual philosophies, guiding us towards a more caring and equitable society. This blog examines various donor categories to help you identify where you stand in the spectrum of giving. Understanding these outcomes can inspire further acts of human generosity.

Why Do People Give?

People's reasons for giving are varied and often connected. They are driven by beliefs in working together, family influence, feeling good about giving and wanting to make a difference. These findings are based on a comprehensive survey conducted by the UK-based Charity Aid Foundation (CAF), which engaged over 700 donors to understand the factors influencing their philanthropic behavior. Here are some key findings:

• 96% of donors felt a compelling duty to give back to society and combat inequality, utilising their blessings to uplift others.

• 75% of donors were motivated by a passionate commitment to specific, relatable causes, ranging from international development to preserving arts and culture.

• For 71% of donors, their charitable commitment was deeply intertwined with their religious values.

• 61% of donors drew inspiration from profound personal experiences, ranging from firsthand encounters with adversity to navigating the heartache of losing loved ones to illness.

Additional 'motivators' for giving include trust and egoism, such as a belief in the necessity of financial support for charities to sustain their vital work and the personal fulfilment derived from giving. This data reveals that donors exhibit diverse patterns of giving. Based on the data above, donors may be motivated by the following factors:

Altruistic Contributors: Driven by a strong sense of moral obligation, these individuals give because they believe it is the right thing to do. For example, donating to an organisation that educates underprivileged children in rural India because everyone deserves a chance to learn.

Personal Fulfillment Donors: These donors contribute because it brings them personal satisfaction and enhances their self-image. For instance, Supporting a local environmental NGO brings personal fulfilment by helping to create a greener future. Additionally, it offers tax benefits, which are a bonus.

Peer-Driven Supporters: These individuals are motivated by their social circles to donate in order to be in sync with their peers and to feel a sense of belonging within their community.

For instance, joining a campaign promoting tap aerators for water conservation after being inspired by social media posts, eager to participate and feel connected to the cause.

Event-Driven Donors: Motivated by the excitement of events, these donors give to be a part of the action and experience the fun. For instance, donating during a Diwali charity gala, enjoying the festive atmosphere and the opportunity to celebrate while contributing to a good cause.

Empathetic Donors: With a personal connection to the cause, these individuals give because of their own or someone else's similar experiences. For example, regularly donating blood after witnessing the urgent need for blood when a family member fell critically ill. 

So, What Kind of Donor Are You?

We all engage in charitable giving in different ways and for various reasons. Some of us support causes that have personally affected us, while others aim to give back to society more broadly. Regardless of the motivation or method, all charitable activities are valuable. Answer the questions below to reflect on your true feelings and convictions to discover what type of donor you are and maximise your impact in a way that best suits you:

Click here to find out if you are an Altruistic Contributor.

Click here to find out if you are a Personal Fulfillment Donor.

Click here to find out if you are a Peer-Driven Supporter.

Click here to find out if you are an Event-Driven Donor.

Click here to find out if you are an Empathetic Donor.

Donors aren't limited to one category and often reflect diverse motivations for giving. For example, someone might support animal shelters out of empathy for abandoned pets, participate in environmental clean-up projects with their community, enjoy attending fundraising galas, and feel fulfilled by supporting local education initiatives.

Deciding where and when to give can be overwhelming. Identifying your philanthropic profile is the key to thoughtful giving. Once you understand your donor identity, you can tailor your contributions to amplify the impact. At Generous Hands, we connect compassionate donors with needy charities. Join us to find the charity that speaks to you.