I recently had a lively discussion with a colleague from another non-profit on the topic of generosity and who is more likely to give to a charity, someone who is wealthy or someone poor.  In an effort to answer this question, I looked at the research and found that studies across psychology and behavioral economics consistently shows that people with lower socioeconomic status often behave more generously in controlled experiments. For example, studies from UC Berkeley found that participants who identified themselves as lower on the social ladder gave more money to hypothetical strangers than wealthier participants did.  

The problem with this research is that generosity is much more complicated than can be explained by a study that measures how much participants say they will give to others and how wealthy they feel they are on a ten-point scale.  For example, does giving of time and effort count as generosity in addition to the giving of money? It sure does.  Does the type of cause and the person’s connection to that cause have an impact on generosity?  Absolutely.  I am a dog lover and always have been, so when I see an appeal for a shelter that saves dogs from starvation, I readily open my wallet and give generously.  I cannot bear to think that animals are starving, and so I do what I can to help.  The cause is important to me.  Many causes are important to me, and that is how I choose to focus my giving.    

Giving of time and effort to help others is something I witness every time I attend an event at our church, in our community, and regularly at Ruth’s House.  I see people helping out others who are in need, I see simple acts of kindness everywhere I look in Faribault and in Northfield and these acts of kindness absolutely count as generosity, but don’t always show up in the research that only measures the dollars that are given.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that I also worry about whether or not my money is well spent by the charities I choose to support.   I have learned to check out the charity to make sure it is legitimate before donating.  Independent evaluators such as Charity Navigator provide ratings, financial breakdowns, and accountability standards that help donors assess transparency and effectiveness. You can also confirm a nonprofit’s legal status by checking IRS records or by checking with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, which provides access to Form 990 filings and compliance information. Finally, It is also helpful to check out the charity’s website to make sure its mission and programs are clearly identified.  What the charity does and how they achieve their goals should be very clear.  Taking these steps helps ensure your contribution supports a trustworthy organization that uses your donation as intended. 

In the end, it really doesn’t matter who is more generous and whether we show our generosity through financial contributions, volunteering, or helping out our neighbors through acts of kindness.  What matters is how we express our love and support for others, and how we demonstrate our humanity.  It is also what holds our community together, even in the most difficult times.

Sue Stout

Outreach Coordinator
Ruth’s House/Sarah’s House