Charity.
It is a good thing, really.
By definition, the noun has three separate meanings.
The holy meaning: The voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need.
The emotional meaning: Kindness and tolerance in judging others.
And the business meaning: An organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need.
Speaking to the business definition, I have to say. All charities are not alike.
In fact, some are downright criminal.
Don’t take my word for it. Any old Google search for “Worst Charities” will bring about a wealth of lists to choose from. Many watchdogs have taken it upon themselves to keep an eye on charities. And many publish lists of the “best” and the “worst” charities around.
For instance, Consumer Reports will tell you their opinion about the good, the bad, and the ugly.
https://www.consumerreports.org/money/charities/best-charities-for-your-donations-a4066579102/
Charity Navigator is another good one for measure.
But good or bad, one thing is for sure. Charity is big business.
I thought I’d look up the United States’ Biggest Charities. I was a little surprised by what I found.
The number one charity in the U.S., with revenues of $23 billion in 2022, is Lutheran Services in America. They top the list of the highest-earning nonprofits in the United States, according to Forbes. And it isn’t just chump change. I mean, $23 billion is big cheddar.
After reading their website and Wiki, I still really don’t know “exactly” what they do.
According to them:
[[[[. Lutheran Services in America is a network of 300 health and human service nonprofits, who each year collectively reach one in 50 people across 1,400 communities in the United States. We are the network’s national office dedicated to advancing innovative solutions that achieve a healthier, more equitable future for millions of people in America.]]]
But back to the list. The Lutheran Services Organization is one of only three nonprofits bringing in more than $10 billion annually.
And those surprised me. The other two are health organizations, namely the Mayo Clinic and the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, with revenues of roughly $20 billion and $11 billion, respectively.
Other entrants on the list are the ones I thought I would see. Like the YMCA of the USA, and Goodwill Industries, and the Salvation Army.
But as I said. It is a big, big stage up there with a lot of players. According to recent examinations, there were 1.8 million nonprofits registered in the U.S. in 2021, with 1.4 million public charities alone.
It is sometimes tricky to navigate these charitable waters.
But, in my heart, I believe it is important to give when we can.
There are a lot of people (and animals) in the world who are struggling. There is much injustice and harm being done in our world, intended or otherwise. And one way to combat this is to offer help, when we can, to those in need.
So. We choose our battles wisely. We find “causes” that resonate with us. And we make sure that before we send our checks away, or donate our time, the organization is worthy and that they are being honest with how they will spend those donations.
And then we let it fly.
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“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
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“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Mahatma Gandhi
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“To do more for the world than the world does for you – that is success.” – Henry Ford
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To give or not to give. Figure it out.
