[BaoTurbo]

The Globe and Mail
The trend is “troubling,” said Cathy Barr, vice-president of operations at Imagine Canada, an umbrella group for Canadian charities. She added that there is real concern that “the donor base is shrinking and that’s very worrisome.”

Figures released by Statistics Canada last week highlight a disconcerting trend for charities. The report showed that 5.6 million people donated money last year. That was down from 5.8 million in 2008 and was the lowest number of donors since 2002, when 5.5 million people gave money. In dollar terms, total donations dropped to $7.75-billion in 2009 from $8.19-billion in 2008 and $8.65-billion in 2007.

The participation rate – a measure of the percentage of tax filers reporting a donation – is even more troubling. Last year, 23.1 per cent of taxpayers claimed a deduction for making a charitable donation. That was down from 24.1 per cent in 2008 and marks a 30-year low. Not that long ago, nearly one-third of taxpayers reported a donation; now the percentage is less than one-quarter.

The recession and a crackdown on illegal tax shelters by the Canada Revenue Agency accounts for some of the downturn, but not all of it. In fact, the number of donors increased between 2007 and 2008 for the first time in years, an indication that Canadians are prepared to dig into their pockets during times of financial distress. And Imagine Canada estimates that even when the CRA’s move to revoke several tax shelters is taken into account, donations are still down.

“You begin to worry at a certain point, is this the hollowing out of the middle class? Is this the lack of social connection?” asked Malcolm Burrows, who heads philanthropic advisory services at the Bank of Nova Scotia. “It’s one thing for dollars to go up and down with the economy. It’s another thing for this long-term trend of donors disappearing. That is worrying.”

He and others say the trend indicates a growing gap between wealthy Canadians, who have largely continued to make donations, and the middle class, which has found giving difficult during tough times. Statistics Canada figures show that over the last decade the number of donors has fallen, but the median gift has increased from $190 to $250. That means fewer people are giving more money.

The average age of donors has also slowly moved upward, rising from 51 earlier this decade to 53 last year. Ms. Barr said that likely reflects tougher economic times for young people, many of whom are still struggling with the recession and the high cost of essentials like housing. But a bigger concern is that young people don’t seem to be getting into the habit of donating. “That is particularly troubling,” Ms. Barr said.

Targeting younger donors has been critical for charities like United Way Toronto, the largest United Way in Canada. The organization launched a GenNext campaign about four years ago aimed at people between the ages of 20 and 30. Julia Gorman, vice-president of resource development at the charity, said young people volunteer more and also want more information about where their donations go. This year the organization has held more than 1,000 presentations with donors and agencies supported by United Way to explain how donations are spent. “We’ve never done that before,” she said.

Ms. Gorman said the overall fundraising climate is difficult and United Way Toronto’s annual campaign is about one-third short of its $113-million goal with less than a month remaining.

Marvi Ricker, managing director of philanthropic services at Bank of Montreal, said the financial squeeze on the middle class is hurting many smaller charities. “I think that’s where the donations to smaller organizations, more grassroots types, are really going down,” she said.

But she remains optimistic, citing a recent study by the bank that indicates aging Canadians plan to give well into their retirement. And she takes heart from various efforts by teachers to get students interested in philanthropy. “More people are taking a different approach to giving,” she said. “They are doing philanthropy not just writing cheques.”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canadians-are-no-longer-giving-to-charities-as-they-once-did/article1823101/

What do you guys think? Is this true?

[darkfroggy]

People donate less after a recession. :rolleyes:

News at 11.

[hk20000]

One thing they failed to mention is that over the years of the internet age people are more and more skeptical whether their money went to good use when it comes to donation....and the more skeptical you are, the less willing you are to pay out to "charity", which many now is wondering if the money is really going where one thought it was going to.

the rich will continue to do so for tax write-offs, but the middle layer is going to think, "hang on a minute...."

[Wongtouski]

One thing they failed to mention is that over the years of the internet age people are more and more skeptical whether their money went to good use when it comes to donation....and the more skeptical you are, the less willing you are to pay out to "charity", which many now is wondering if the money is really going where one thought it was going to.

the rich will continue to do so for tax write-offs, but the middle layer is going to think, "hang on a minute...."

Werd.

Example. Haiti.

[LiquidTurbo]

The trend is “troubling,” said Cathy Barr, vice-president of operations at Imagine Canada, an umbrella group for Canadian charities. She added that there is real concern that “the donor base is shrinking and that’s very worrisome.”

I lol'd when I read this. No shit, she wants to keep her job as VP of OPs.

[Ludepower]

Cost of living...it's hard to donate when both parents are EXPECTED to work to pay off bills, taxes, fuel and mortgage.

[Mr.Jay]

Maybe if its because all the charities that ask these days are Filipino scams that bother you when you are eating, clubbing, talking to friends or just pretty much about anything.

[J____]

we are 'donating' more, it's to a charity called the government.

[Kamui712]

seeing as how I'm paying my own way though school... and with the influx of all these Charity scams (eg. Miss Cancer - Ashley Anne Kirilow) I am less likely to donate $$ but instead will donate clothes, electronics... etc.

I could also go the Family Guy way:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZXNhycMX_M

[Mr.HappySilp]

Sorry but after rent, food, bills and of coz TAX!!! I rather keep what's left that the gov did not take which is peanuts.

I will happily donate my old clothes and electronics to organize like Big Brothers but I will hang on to my cash Thank you.

[FN-2199]

One thing they failed to mention is that over the years of the internet age people are more and more skeptical whether their money went to good use when it comes to donation....and the more skeptical you are, the less willing you are to pay out to "charity", which many now is wondering if the money is really going where one thought it was going to.

the rich will continue to do so for tax write-offs, but the middle layer is going to think, "hang on a minute...."

Along with this, nowadays, it also doesn't help when we are confronted by those Asian ladies asking for small donations, claiming to be from "World Vision". I don't know how many times I've had a Filipina lady specifically target me (because of my race) and ask for money, whipping out a shady laminated card that looks like it had been knocked up for months.

To unsuspecting people, this would immediately be a turn off to charities asking for donations on the street, especially if they truly are legit.

[Qmx323]

this girl at my work bought a chicken pie for a hobo once

twas touching

on topic though i only donate stuff not cash

[RevRav]

In contrast...it was on the news a couple days ago, people are tipping a lot more around this time of the year. Whether its restaurant meals...or giving $5-10 to the paper boy.

[twitchyzero]

it's also tax-write off season as well.

[asian_XL]

when people realize money don't 100% go toward the people that really need it, not even 50% of it. They stop donating, but I do see a lot more volunteers lately.

[Mr.HappySilp]

In contrast...it was on the news a couple days ago, people are tipping a lot more around this time of the year. Whether its restaurant meals...or giving $5-10 to the paper boy.

This may be true but I have been avoiding the malls and going out or spending money. The economy is getting worse and it will contiune to do so so I rather have more savings in case something bad happens.

[twitchyzero]

This may be true but I have been avoiding the malls and going out or spending money. The economy is getting worse and it will contiune to do so so I rather have more savings in case something bad happens.
which creates the downward spiral

[!Yaminashi]

Cathy Barr is real dumb.
For real.

[Mr.HappySilp]

^^ I am willing to spend as long as the gov give us a break on tax. But increasing income tax, add more fuel tax, property tax and HST doesn't help when economy isn't doing great.

When over 1/3 or more of your income is going towards tax there is an issue.

[!Yaminashi]

When over 1/3 or more of your income is going towards tax there is an issue.

You're my hero

[Jermyzy]

Maybe if its because all the charities that ask these days are Filipino scams that bother you when you are eating, clubbing, talking to friends or just pretty much about anything.

This happened to me last night when I was eating at Continental Square, lol

I did end up sponsoring a child through World Vision Canada (via their website). Seems like they are a well-respected organization.

[Tapioca]

^^ I am willing to spend as long as the gov give us a break on tax. But increasing income tax, add more fuel tax, property tax and HST doesn't help when economy isn't doing great.

When over 1/3 or more of your income is going towards tax there is an issue.

Then, you could always move to a low tax jurisdiction like Hong Kong where things are peachy keen.

There's always give and take in life: lower taxes, and get reduced services.

[bengy]

Then, you could always move to a low tax jurisdiction like Hong Kong where things are peachy keen.

There's always give and take in life: lower taxes, and get reduced services.

What services? Olympics and Olympic Village? Free injection sites? Bike lanes?

Please do tell us what "services" you use on a regular basis that you know your taxes are paying for.

[Mananetwork]

What are the odds this article would be posted only a month before Christmas!

Only to get you to donate even more now. BS!
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[jackmeister]

Do any of you ever get phone calls asking for donations?

One time I felt nice and donated to a charity. Then OMFG every week I get a call from a different charity asking for donation.

Seriously, after that, I dont feel comfortable donating.

[mikemhg]

I work for the largest Pension and Benefits company in the country, and we administer benefits for a number of very large charities in Canada.

Needless to say having access to each employees wages, and seeing how much Management and Executives get paid in these so-called "charities" would make me think twice to donate.

People need to remember many charities now are businesses in themselves, with tons of overhead, which a big part of your donations go to. I'd rather donate clothing, food, or money to smaller charities anyways.

[BaoTurbo]

What are the odds this article would be posted only a month before Christmas!

Only to get you to donate even more now. BS!
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

LOL well I guess this is the time where people donate the most or have the most generousity

[darkfroggy]

LOL well I guess this is the time where people donate the most or have the most generousity

Sorry, got no money left over from Christmas presents.

Ask me during Valentine's :foreveralone:

[DavidYeh]

I work for the largest Pension and Benefits company in the country, and we administer benefits for a number of very large charities in Canada.

Needless to say having access to each employees wages, and seeing how much Management and Executives get paid in these so-called "charities" would make me think twice to donate.

I work for a world wide non-profit organization as well. I dont really feel comfortable mentioning which one, but the wages and salaries are on par or slightly lower when compared to similar jobs in the work force. You cant expect those who work in the non profit sector (from your bottom end to top end management) to make a significant amount less than their counter parts working in the profit sector.

With that said however, I am extreamly disappointed at the spending, and budgeting of these large non-profit organizations. I have seen a ridiculous amount of money wasted due to bad decision making at the mid to top level management.

For me its not really about what salaries and wages are paid out to non profit employees as everyone who works deserves to be paid accordingly to their abilities and skills. Rather, the inability or unwillingness to decrease overhead as well as implement sound finaical budgeting is the reason why a large amount of donations do not reach those who are in need.

[TomBox_N]

I donate stuff and time, just not cash. Bet they dun take that into account in their study.
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[booge_man]

I donate stuff and time, just not cash. Bet they dun take that into account in their study.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

Yeah like donated clothes, and stuff to the Salvation Army wonder if that's calculated in this study?

[jeffh]

i bet if you got a tax receipt for food bank and clothing donations they would be overfull with stuff

[Lomac]

What services? Olympics and Olympic Village? Free injection sites? Bike lanes?

Please do tell us what "services" you use on a regular basis that you know your taxes are paying for.

Y'know, thing like free healthcare, free elementary/high school, etc.

[twitchyzero]

Y'know, thing like free healthcare, free elementary/high school, etc.

some asian countries have just that..and they don't get raped by sales taxes, income taxes, carbon taxes.

granted, their social programs aren't as great..so really we truly live in a socialist society:)

[Tapioca]

What services? Olympics and Olympic Village? Free injection sites? Bike lanes?

Please do tell us what "services" you use on a regular basis that you know your taxes are paying for.

Crawl out of your cave and look around you.

Roads, bridges, airports, border security, food inspection agencies, and the list goes on.

[optiblue]

Agree with everyone else. Money is hard to come by especially living in Vancouver.

[Mr.HappySilp]

Y'know, thing like free healthcare, free elementary/high school, etc.

as far as I know I have to pay my health care... well my company does it for me. But it is in no way free.

[Bonka]

My office encourages annual donations to Children's Miracle Network and while I'm happy to donate a pretty tidy sum each year I think next year I'm going to really cut it down and would rather volunteer time to help. I've volunteered before and there's far more satisfaction and you know your time is helping someone out directly.

[Lomac]

as far as I know I have to pay my health care... well my company does it for me. But it is in no way free.

Trust me, the $20/month you pay is tantamount to it being free when compared to the majority of countries that don't have a similar health care system like ours.

[Ronin]

Enough of our money goes toward charity before we even know it. All the welfare assholes in the Vancouver area eat up enough of our cash as it is. Plus...oh noes, there's slightly less in donations this year compared to last. Honestly, I was expecting a much larger drop in those figures above.

I don't think the recession is much of a deal here as it is in the States. The recession only hit us on a secondary basis because of the way the US economy affects ours. I think people are just reading more about how little of our donations actually make it to the people that need it and how much goes to stupid beauracratic bullshit.

Plus...Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are gonna take care of all this shit anyways. :troll:

[twitchyzero]

i think some people forget our province spends more than 60% of its annual revenue on healthcare (~$16.5 billion)

[Graeme S]

I don't think the recession is hitting us as hard HERE because our economy is primarily service-based. Out in Ontario and Alberta, in other places where it's labour or resources that are the main sources of income, I'd say it does hurt them.

Vancouver is dancing on a very sharp knife right now; I'm worried about my job (Private Adult ESL) come the new year. Not sure if y'all know this but there is a HUGE number of korean international students in Van; a giant chunk of them DT. If war breaks out in Korea, the ESL industry is gonna collapse and come out a million times weaker and less employed.

That's gonna be a lot of EI benefits paid out and a whole lot of people who have no serious occupational training looking for jobs.

Joys.
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[sonick]

What about all those BS Breast Cancer facebook campaigns and now this child abuse one?

[stewie]

i donated all the clothes i didnt want anymore to the canadian diabetes bin and the childrens hospital bin at the burnaby recycling depot today...threw away 4 garbage bags full of shirts, jeans, jackets, and sweaters!

im done donating till next year when i find out how many clothes i have that i no longer want!

[Nechako87]

i just went thru all my old clothes last night with my gf......donated a shit load to dda this year

[Ronin]

Speaking of charity, do you guys ever get bothered by those Asian (I can't tell what sort of Asians...Filipino, Thai, Cambodian...) ladies that come up to you with some random brochure asking you guys to donate to help children?

Not any sort of specific children...just children in general. I remember I was having dinner at a restaurant with my friends for my birthday and they just came right in and asked us for money.

That sort of thing annoys me. People who will donate to charity will do so on their own for the most part...we don't need the guilt trip and people who won't...there's no amount of guilt that will convince them. I told them straight up that I only donate to legit charities that I've heard of.

[Mr.HappySilp]

^^ guess you miss the thread about them. They are most xcammers so yea.

[Ronin]

^^ guess you miss the thread about them. They are most xcammers so yea.

Link?

[dark0821]

Link?

Speaking of charity, do you guys ever get bothered by those Asian (I can't tell what sort of Asians...Filipino, Thai, Cambodian...) ladies that come up to you with some random brochure asking you guys to donate to help children?

Not any sort of specific children...just children in general. I remember I was having dinner at a restaurant with my friends for my birthday and they just came right in and asked us for money.

That sort of thing annoys me. People who will donate to charity will do so on their own for the most part...we don't need the guilt trip and people who won't...there's no amount of guilt that will convince them. I told them straight up that I only donate to legit charities that I've heard of.





http://www.revscene.net/forums/filipino-donation-collectors-t627359.html?t=627359&highlight=donations

7 pages and 151 replies later xD

lol yo.. it was so popular...

[darkfroggy]

How do you expect us to donate if you don't release an administrative log or any sort of data showing where the money went?