Do donations really help?

Whenever there's a new crisis somewhere in the world, Americans whip out their wallets and throw donations at the cause. Does this really help? Do you ever stop to wonder where that money is going and how it is actually going to help end the problem?

As Americans, we have a tendency to demand fast solutions and instantaneous change. However, this is extremely unrealistic. Change is gradual and throwing money at a cause isn't going to speed the process up. Poverty has existed for centuries, which means it will take an unknown amount of time to end. Donations and money will help, but resources, time, work and education are the key assets.

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In the Wilson Quarterly, Ed Jesteadt shares his experiences working to end poverty in rural villages in South Africa. He states, "Giving poor people valuable assets without their having done anything to earn them does not make a viable program. People must earn what they receive. A microloan program that requires payback, for example, gives people dignity and self-respect and empowers them to take control of their own destinies." This provides an example of how to help impoverished areas succeed, but with dignity. He goes on to say, "And donated assets such as equipment, vehicles, and buildings often go to waste because poor people lack the resources to maintain them. Or worse, they will trade goods they are given for something else they would rather have--sometimes good, other times alcohol or drugs."

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We want to help end poverty in poor countries, while looking out for the best interest of the people in those nations. Poor people may not necessarily benefit from donations. Then again, a lot of people do benefit from organizations to reduce poverty. World Vision raises money to dig fresh water wells in many countries in Africa. This has drastically improved the living conditions in these poor countries. So donations to organizations, such as World Vision, do help. But then, what determines if a donation helps or not? How can you trust an organization to do the best thing possible with your money?

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