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Essay on Charity

Students are often asked to write an essay on Charity in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Charity

What is charity.

Charity is when you give help to those in need. It can be giving money, food, clothes, or your time. This help is given freely and from the heart. It’s not just about giving things away; it’s about caring for others and wanting to make their lives better.

Types of Charity

There are many ways to give. Some people donate to big organizations that help lots of people. Others prefer to help directly, like giving food to a hungry person. Volunteering at places like schools and hospitals is also charity.

The Importance of Giving

Charity is important because it shows kindness. It can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Even a small act of giving can bring a lot of happiness. It’s a way to show that you think about others, not just yourself.

Charity Begins at Home

Charity starts with how we treat our family and friends. Being kind and sharing with them teaches us how to care for others. When we learn this at home, we can spread kindness to more people outside our homes.

Charity is all about giving and caring. It makes the world a better place. When we all do our part, even in small ways, we can help many people and spread joy.

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250 Words Essay on Charity

Charity is when you give help to others without wanting anything back. This help can be in the form of money, food, clothes, or even your time. When you do charity, you make someone’s life better. It’s like sharing a piece of your heart with others.

Why Charity Matters

Charity is important because it shows kindness. It can make a big difference in someone’s life. For example, when you give food to a person who is hungry, you help them not to be hungry anymore. It’s not just about giving things; it’s about caring for others and making the world a nicer place.

How to Do Charity

You can do charity in many ways. You don’t need a lot of money. Even small acts can be a big help. You could give away toys you don’t play with anymore or help an older person cross the street. Remember, it’s the thought and love behind what you do that counts.

Learning from Charity

When you do charity, you also learn good things. You learn to be thankful for what you have. You understand that some people don’t have as much as you do. This can make you want to help more and be a better person.

Charity is not just about giving; it’s about sharing, caring, and learning. It makes both the person who gives and the person who receives feel good. So, think about how you can do charity today and help make someone smile!

500 Words Essay on Charity

What is charity.

Charity is the act of giving help to those in need. It is a kind and loving gesture that can take many forms. For example, charity might mean giving money, food, or clothes to people who do not have enough. It can also mean spending time with someone who is lonely or helping out in your community. When you do something good for others without expecting anything in return, that’s charity.

Why Is Charity Important?

Charity is important because it makes the world a better place. When you help others, you make their lives easier and happier. It is not just the people you help who feel better; you feel good too. Giving to others can make you feel proud and joyful. Also, when one person starts helping, it often encourages others to do the same. This can create a chain of kindness that spreads far and wide.

How Can We Practice Charity?

Practicing charity can be simple. You do not need a lot of money or free time to make a difference. Here are some ideas:

– Share your toys or books with other children who might not have any. – Help your parents, friends, or neighbors with tasks they find hard to do alone. – Save a part of your allowance to give to a charity that helps people or animals. – Join a group at school that does good things for your community.

Everyone can find their own way to be charitable. The key is to look around and see where help is needed.

Charity at Home and Around the World

Charity starts at home. This means that being kind and helpful to your family is a form of charity. From there, you can also think about your neighborhood, your school, and even places far away. There are people all over the world who need help. Some charities work to get clean water to places where there is none, or they send books to schools that do not have any. Even if these places are far away, your help can reach them.

Charity Throughout the Year

While many people think of giving during certain times like holidays, charity is needed all year round. There are always people in need, no matter the season. You can make a plan to do something charitable each month. Maybe in January, you could shovel snow for a neighbor. In July, you could share your summer toys with others. Every month offers a new chance to be kind.

The Impact of Charity

When you give to others, it has a big impact. The person who receives your help will have a better day because of you. They might then help someone else, and the goodness you started keeps moving forward. Even small acts of charity can change someone’s life. Imagine if every person did just one kind thing each day; the world would be full of happiness and care.

Charity is a powerful way to show love and support to those who need it. It does not matter how big or small your act of kindness is; what matters is that you do it with a full heart. Remember, when you give to others, you are not just helping them; you are making the whole world a little bit brighter. So, let’s all try to do our part and practice charity every day.

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Charity — Why Charity is Important in Society

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Why Charity is Important in Society

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Published: Aug 31, 2023

Words: 694 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Addressing basic human needs, promoting social equality and justice, building stronger communities, supporting education and skill development, addressing global challenges and crises, fostering empathy and compassion, encouraging corporate social responsibility, inspiring positive change and civic engagement, conclusion: celebrating the transformative power of charity.

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128 Charity Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Charity is a noble act that has the power to make the world a better place. Whether it is by donating money, volunteering time, or raising awareness, there are countless ways to support charitable causes. However, choosing a topic for your charity essay can be challenging. To help you get started, here are 128 charity essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your writing:

  • The impact of social media on charitable giving.
  • How can individuals make a difference in their local community?
  • The role of celebrities in raising awareness for charitable causes.
  • The importance of transparency in charity organizations.
  • The ethics of accepting donations from controversial sources.
  • The role of religious institutions in promoting charity.
  • The impact of tax incentives on charitable giving.
  • The effectiveness of online crowdfunding platforms for charity.
  • Exploring the concept of effective altruism in charitable giving.
  • The challenges of running a successful charity event.
  • The impact of climate change on charitable organizations.
  • How do charities help in disaster relief efforts?
  • The role of education in empowering individuals to give back.
  • The benefits of corporate social responsibility for businesses.
  • The role of government in supporting charitable organizations.
  • The impact of poverty on access to healthcare in developing countries.
  • How can technology be used to improve charitable giving?
  • The benefits of volunteering for personal growth and development.
  • The role of art and culture in promoting charitable causes.
  • The challenges of addressing homelessness in urban areas.
  • The impact of war and conflict on charitable efforts.
  • The role of international organizations in global charity work.
  • The importance of promoting gender equality in charitable initiatives.
  • The benefits of microfinance initiatives in empowering individuals.
  • The impact of animal cruelty on the need for animal welfare charities.
  • The role of sports in raising funds for charitable causes.
  • The challenges of addressing mental health issues through charity.
  • The impact of technology on fundraising strategies for charities.
  • The importance of early childhood education in breaking the cycle of poverty.
  • The benefits of supporting local businesses for community development.
  • The role of media in raising awareness for charitable causes.
  • The challenges of addressing food insecurity in developing countries.
  • The impact of child labor on the need for children's charities.
  • The role of government policies in promoting charitable giving.
  • The benefits of supporting environmental conservation charities.
  • The challenges of addressing human trafficking through charity.
  • The impact of education on reducing poverty rates.
  • The role of art therapy in supporting mental health charities.
  • How can technology be used to connect donors with charitable projects?
  • The benefits of supporting refugee resettlement programs.
  • The challenges of addressing water scarcity through charity.
  • The impact of disability on the need for disability charities.
  • The role of social entrepreneurship in addressing social issues.
  • The importance of promoting LGBTQ+ rights through charity.
  • The benefits of supporting cultural diversity initiatives.
  • The challenges of addressing substance abuse through charity.
  • The impact of income inequality on the need for poverty alleviation charities.
  • The role of education in preventing child labor.
  • The benefits of supporting medical research charities.
  • The challenges of addressing domestic violence through charity.
  • The impact of climate change on the need for environmental charities.
  • The role of technology in improving access to education in developing countries.
  • The importance of supporting LGBTQ+ youth through charity.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that empower women.
  • The challenges of addressing racial inequality through charity.
  • The impact of natural disasters on the need for disaster relief charities.
  • The role of education in promoting sustainable development.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote arts education.
  • The challenges of addressing mental health stigma through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to clean water in developing countries.
  • The role of technology in connecting donors with local charities.
  • The importance of supporting initiatives that promote peace and conflict resolution.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote access to healthcare.
  • The challenges of addressing youth unemployment through charity.
  • The impact of urbanization on the need for affordable housing charities.
  • The role of education in promoting gender equality.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture.
  • The challenges of addressing substance abuse stigma through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to education in developing countries.
  • The role of technology in improving access to healthcare in remote areas.
  • The importance of supporting initiatives that promote animal rights.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote community development.
  • The challenges of addressing mental health disparities through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to sanitation in developing countries.
  • The role of education in promoting environmental conservation.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote renewable energy.
  • The challenges of addressing income inequality through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to nutrition in developing countries.
  • The role of technology in improving access to clean water in remote areas.
  • The importance of supporting initiatives that promote disability rights.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote peacebuilding.
  • The challenges of addressing food waste through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to healthcare in rural areas.
  • The role of education in promoting social justice.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote sustainable tourism.
  • The challenges of addressing mental health in the workplace through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to education for girls in developing countries.
  • The role of technology in improving access to education for marginalized communities.
  • The importance of supporting initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ rights.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote sustainable transportation.
  • The challenges of addressing income inequality in urban areas through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to clean energy in developing countries.
  • The role of education in promoting cultural diversity.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote social entrepreneurship.
  • The challenges of addressing food insecurity in urban areas through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to healthcare for indigenous communities.
  • The role of technology in improving access to clean air in polluted areas.
  • The importance of supporting initiatives that promote animal welfare.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote sustainable fashion.
  • The challenges of addressing income inequality in rural areas through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to education for children with disabilities.
  • The role of education in promoting mental health awareness.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote sustainable architecture.
  • The challenges of addressing water pollution through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to healthcare for elderly individuals.
  • The role of technology in improving access to education for refugee children.
  • The importance of supporting initiatives that promote indigenous rights.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote sustainable farming.
  • The challenges of addressing income inequality in developing countries through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to clean cooking solutions in developing countries.
  • The role of education in promoting peace and conflict resolution.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote sustainable transportation in cities.
  • The challenges of addressing plastic pollution through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • The role of technology in improving access to education for girls in developing countries.
  • The importance of supporting initiatives that promote disability inclusion.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote sustainable waste management.
  • The challenges of addressing income inequality in developed countries through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to clean water for indigenous communities.
  • The role of education in promoting environmental sustainability.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote sustainable tourism in developing countries.
  • The challenges of addressing deforestation through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to healthcare for refugees.
  • The role of technology in improving access to education for children with disabilities.
  • The importance of supporting initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
  • The benefits of supporting initiatives that promote sustainable urban planning.
  • The challenges of addressing income inequality in marginalized communities through charity.
  • The impact of poverty on access to clean energy for rural communities.

These 128 charity essay topic ideas and examples cover a wide range of social, environmental, and humanitarian issues. Whether you choose to focus on a specific cause or explore the broader concept of charity, there are countless ways to approach your essay. Remember to conduct thorough research, provide evidence-based arguments, and showcase your passion for making a difference.

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Concept, Purpose, and Importance of Charity in Our Society

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Concept, Purpose, and Importance of Charity in Our Society

“Charity brings to life again those who are spiritually dead.”

                                                                                            -thomas aquinas, the concept of charity:.

Charity is the act of extending love and kindness to others unconditionally, which is a conscious act but the decision is made by the heart , without expecting a reward. When Charity is carried out selflessly, it is a one-way act where a person gives but asks for nothing in return.

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It is this act of nature that makes it precious and soulful. There are people who believe charity should begin at home but others believe it should originate from the heart. However, charity originates from the heart as you feel the urge of giving, begins from home, ultimately extending to others in the society.

Charity begins with the inward recognition of a need to show compassion to others whether consciously or unconsciously. Everyone has problems, troubles, and griefs of some sort in life but charity starts with those who learn to downplay their own problems, in order to extend compassion, kindness, and love to help others. Hence some people set aside their own pains to relieve the pain of others.

Purpose of Charity:

Charity is essential and therefore meant to be done for public benefit, relief and to provide assistance to people at times of need in any part of the world, especially those who are the victims of war, natural disaster, catastrophe, hunger, disease, poverty, orphans by supplying them with food, shelter, medical aid, and other fundamental needs.

What is Zakat and How to Pay It

Such charitable purposes can gain momentum from advancing the education of young people for the public benefit by making grants and awards to students in full-time education. When considering poverty in the developing world, people feel deep sorrow but seem to put no effort whatsoever to reduce or eradicate the problem. Poverty in today’s world has turned out to be sinister and we lay passive towards the problem, therefore such attitude has made us powerless to stop it.

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Since this world has been created it’s been unequal in every way and there will always be rich and poor, strong and weak living together. While poverty is extreme and widespread, let’s not forget just how many rich and wealthy people there are in the developed world capable of giving. It’s high time we must realize the power that we have in our hands when pooled together.

When everyone is giving to an effective charity, the size of our donation would directly correspond to the number of people we are able to help. We don’t have to be a millionaire to make a significant difference. Just as every drop in the ocean counts to form a vast water mass, even small donations have the potential to drastically improve an individual’s quality of life.

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The Importance of Charity in Our Society:

The greatest gift to our community would be when we contribute to making lives better; when we touch lives by the dint of donations or charity, spreading light to the neediest and enlighten our souls in the process.

Why Charity is Important?

The charity enables the charitable organizations, and NGOs to improving the lives of abandoned, poor children, adults, orphans, homeless and those in need. Charity also reduces the human sufferings.

They provide children and families with clothing, food, education, shelter, and teachings. Through love, motivation, and opportunities they help people thrive and become self-sufficient, and on the other hand, there are organizations to support the elderly with dignity and assistance. As these organizations have taken up a sacred mission of helping the helpless,  it’s now our duty as well to help them to raise funds and support their noble cause .

With the help of donors and the vision of the creators of Transparent Hands, We have made a huge impact in the lives of the people that is visible with transparency to our donors and the people interested in the process of saving lives. To view our success stories, visit You’ve turned their tears into cheers!

this article is awesome and it is very helpful to understand the concept of charity.

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The Importance Of Charity In Our Life: Transforming Lives

Aurora Simon

Importance Of Charity In Our Life

Welcome to our article on the importance of charity in our life. The impact of charity work is immeasurable, as it can transform the lives of those in need. Giving to charitable causes can also provide a sense of satisfaction and purpose, benefiting the giver as much as the receiver. In this article, we’ll explore the role of charity in society, the significance of generosity, and the power of compassion. We’ll also provide some practical advice on how to get involved and make a difference in the world through charitable donations and volunteering. So, let’s dive in and discover the benefits of giving back!

Table of Contents

The Role Of Charity In Society

Charity is a powerful force for promoting social change and addressing systemic issues in society. Through charitable organizations and donations, individuals and communities can work together to create a better world for all.

One of the key roles that charity plays in society is providing support to those in need. This can include providing food, shelter, and medical care to vulnerable populations, as well as supporting education and job training programs to help people build better lives for themselves and their families.

Charity also serves as a means of advocating for social and political change. By supporting organizations that work to promote justice and equality, individuals can help to address issues like poverty, discrimination, and climate change, and create a better future for generations to come.

Additionally, charity can help to foster a sense of community and connection among individuals and groups. By working together towards common goals and values, people can build strong relationships and develop a greater sense of purpose and belonging.

Volunteering in a garden

Generosity And Its Significance

Generosity is more than just giving material possessions or money; it is a fundamental value that can have a profound effect on our lives. Studies have shown that giving back to others can actually improve our physical health and emotional well-being. When we give to others, we experience a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that cannot be replicated through material possessions or personal achievements.

Generosity is also an important value to cultivate because it helps us connect with others on a deeper level. When we give to others, we are able to empathize with their struggles and understand their needs. This can help us build stronger relationships and develop a greater sense of community.

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” -Anne Frank

However, it’s important to note that generosity does not have to involve giving material possessions or money. It can also involve giving our time, skills, and knowledge. Volunteering our time or expertise to help others can be just as valuable as making a financial donation, and can even have a greater impact in some situations.

In short, generosity is a powerful value that can enrich our lives and the lives of others. By cultivating generosity in our own lives, we can contribute to a more compassionate and equitable world.

Philanthropy And Personal Development

Philanthropy is not just about giving money; it can also be a powerful tool for personal development and growth. By giving back to those in need, we can develop important traits like empathy, compassion, and generosity.

“Philanthropy is not about money. It’s about using whatever resources you have at your fingertips and applying them to improving the world.” – Melinda Gates

When we engage in philanthropic activities, we are often stepping outside of our comfort zones and encountering people and situations that are new to us. This exposure can help us develop greater understanding and empathy for those who are less fortunate, as well as a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the world in which we live.

In addition, engaging in philanthropy can help us develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment by contributing to a cause that is larger than ourselves. By using our resources and skills to help others, we can feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in making a difference.

Finally, philanthropy can also lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth . By reflecting on our own motivations and values, we can become more self-aware and better equipped to engage with the world around us.

Overall, philanthropy is a powerful tool for personal development and growth. By engaging in charitable activities, we can develop important traits like empathy and compassion, find greater purpose and fulfillment, and become more self-aware and reflective individuals.

Helping the community out

The Power Of Compassion, The Importance Of Charity In Our Life

Compassion is a powerful force that has the ability to change the world. When we approach the world with empathy and understanding, we are more likely to act in ways that benefit others. This is what makes acts of charity so transformative. By giving back to those in need, we demonstrate compassion and help create a more just and equitable world.

Research has shown that acts of charity can help foster greater compassion and empathy in individuals. By engaging in charitable giving, we are able to connect with others on a deeper level and gain a greater understanding of the struggles they face. This, in turn, can help us develop a stronger sense of community and a greater capacity for kindness and understanding.

Reasons To Support Charity

Supporting charitable causes is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the world. If you’re considering getting involved with a charity, here are some compelling reasons to do so:

1. Help Those In Need

Charitable organizations provide essential services and support to people in need, whether it’s through providing food and shelter to those experiencing homelessness or giving medical care and resources to children in poverty. By supporting these organizations, you can directly help those in need and make a real difference in their lives.

2. Support Important Causes

Charities work to address a wide range of important issues, from environmental conservation to animal welfare to disaster relief. By supporting these causes, you are helping to create a better world and make a positive impact on the things that matter most to you.

3. Make A Difference

Charitable donations and volunteer work can have a significant impact on communities and individuals. Your contributions can truly transform lives and help bring about positive change in the world.

4. Give Back To Your Community

Supporting local charities can have a direct impact on your community, helping to improve the lives of those around you. It’s a meaningful way to give back and help create a better world for everyone.

5. Improve Your Well-being

Giving back has been shown to have positive effects on mental and emotional well-being. By supporting charitable causes, you can boost your own happiness and sense of purpose while also making a positive impact on the world.

These are just a few of the many reasons to support charity. By getting involved with a charitable organization, you can make a meaningful impact on the world and help create a brighter future for all.

How Charity Improves Well-being

Charitable giving provides numerous benefits for both the recipient and the donor. Research has shown that giving back can positively impact our mental and emotional well-being in several ways.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

When we engage in acts of charity, our brains release feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and endorphins. These chemicals help to reduce stress levels and alleviate feelings of anxiety, leaving us with a sense of satisfaction and happiness.

“Donating money to charity activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a ‘warm glow’ effect that makes us feel good.”

– Elizabeth Dunn, Harvard Business School Professor

Fostering a Sense of Purpose

Charitable giving can also help us feel a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. By contributing to a cause we care about, we can feel like we’re making a meaningful difference in the world. This sense of purpose can help to boost our self-esteem and overall life satisfaction.

Strengthening Social Connections

Engaging in charitable activities can also open up opportunities for social connections and relationships. When we volunteer or donate to a cause, we can connect with like-minded individuals who share our values and passions. These connections can provide a sense of belonging and social support, helping us to feel happier and more fulfilled.

“Giving is not just about making a donation. It’s about making a difference.”

– Kathy Calvin, President and CEO of the United Nations Foundation

Encouraging Gratitude and Empathy

Finally, charitable giving can help to cultivate important values such as gratitude and empathy. By donating to a cause, we become more aware of the challenges and struggles that others face. This can help us develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for those who may be different from us. Additionally, giving thanks for our own blessings can foster gratitude and help us to appreciate the good things in our own lives.

Overall, charitable giving can have a profoundly positive impact on our well-being. By contributing to causes we care about, we can reduce stress levels, feel a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment, strengthen social connections, and cultivate important values such as empathy and gratitude.

Impact Of Charity

Charity has the power to make a real difference in the world and transform lives. Here are just a few examples of the impact that charitable donations and organizations can have:

These are just a few examples of the many ways in which charitable giving can have a positive impact on the world. By supporting charitable causes, we can help make the world a better place for everyone.

Supporting Charity: How To Get Involved

Supporting charitable causes can be a life-changing experience that helps improve the lives of people in need. Whether you choose to donate funds, volunteer your time, or lend your skills and expertise, your contribution can make a significant impact. Here are some ways you can get involved:

Research and Identify Effective Charities

Before donating to any charitable organization, it’s important to do your research and ensure that your contribution will be used effectively. Look for charities that have a proven track record of making a difference and are transparent about their operations and financial management. You can check with watchdog organizations like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to evaluate charities and ensure your donations are going to a worthy cause.

Make Donations

One of the easiest ways to show your support for a charitable cause is by making a donation. This can be a one-time gift or a recurring contribution that supports ongoing programs and initiatives. You can donate through a charity’s website, by phone, or by mail. Many employers also offer workplace giving programs that allow you to make tax-deductible donations through automatic payroll deductions.

Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering your time can be a rewarding way to make a difference. Many charities rely on volunteers to help with day-to-day operations, events, and fundraising efforts. You can search for volunteer opportunities online or contact a charity directly to learn about how you can get involved.

Lend Your Skills and Expertise

If you have a particular skill or expertise, you can use it to make a difference for a good cause. For example, you could provide pro bono legal services, offer marketing or social media support, or use your IT skills to help a charity improve their operations. Contact charities directly to find out how you can offer your skills and expertise.

Spread Awareness

Finally, you can show your support for a charitable cause by spreading awareness and encouraging others to get involved. Use social media, blogs, or word-of-mouth to share information about the cause and highlight the impact of charitable donations and volunteer work. By raising awareness, you can help engage more people in supporting the cause and making a difference in the world.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Importance Of Charity In Our Life

Charitable giving can be a powerful tool for improving the world and helping those in need. However, it’s important to be informed and make informed decisions about the charitable organizations you support. Here are some frequently asked questions about charity:

What is considered a charitable donation?

A charitable donation is a contribution made to a qualified tax-exempt organization that is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. This can include cash, property, and other types of assets.

How can I research a charity before making a donation?

There are several reputable resources available to research charitable organizations, including Charity Navigator and GuideStar. These websites provide information on a charity’s financial health, transparency, and effectiveness.

Can I receive a tax deduction for my charitable donations?

Yes, if you donate to a qualified tax-exempt organization, your donation may be tax-deductible. Be sure to keep records of your donations and consult with a tax professional.

How can I ensure my donation is being used effectively?

Researching a charity before making a donation is a good first step. You can also reach out to the organization and ask about their programs and impact. Look for charities that are transparent about how they use donations and have a track record of success in their work.

Is volunteering for a charity just as important as making a donation?

Absolutely! Volunteering your time and skills can be just as valuable as making a financial contribution. Many charities rely on volunteers to carry out their mission and make an impact in the community.

How can I get involved with a charity?

There are many ways to get involved with charitable organizations, including making a donation, volunteering your time or skills, attending events, or advocating for a cause. Research charities that align with your values and interests and reach out to them to learn more about how you can help.

What should I do if I suspect a charity is not using donations effectively?

If you suspect a charity is misusing donations or engaging in fraudulent activity, you can report it to the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance or the Federal Trade Commission. You can also reach out to the charity directly to express your concerns and ask for more information.

About the author

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With an enduring passion for human potential, I have dedicated my life to learning, growing, and most importantly, empowering others to discover their own unique paths to self-improvement. As a personal development blogger, I distill the wisdom gathered from various life experiences, books, seminars, and thought leaders to provide you with actionable insights and tools for your own growth. I believe that each one of us is capable of extraordinary things, and my mission is to help you unlock that potential. Join me on this journey of self-discovery, and together let’s cultivate a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and joy. You can contact us here.

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essay on charity organizations

Charity Essay Titles

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  • Which Charity Credit Cards Deserve Your Support?
  • World Vision Is a Christian Humanitarian Organization
  • Seller Charity and the Benefits of Reputation in an Online Marketplace
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  • Views on Charity in the Nineteenth Century as Depicted in Charlotte Bronte’s Life and Novel, Jane Eyre
  • From Charity to Confrontation: The Disability Rights Movement
  • Evidence from a Non-Secular Charity on Subsidizing Charitable Contributions in the Field
  • A Visit to Charity Messages and Old Mrs. Chundle
  • The Spanish Empire’s Charitable Bonds: the Casa De Contratación as a Charity Institution
  • Analysis of Charles Péguy’s Charity Mysteries
  • What Is Fraud, and What Is Charity in More Detail
  • The Misconceived Definition That the Society Holds for Charity in Herman Melville’s Bartleby
  • Lions Club of South Carolina Charity Services
  • The Scarlet Letter and a Christian Charity Model
  • Carnegie and Emerson on Charity and the American Dream
  • Old Values in Mary Rowlandson’s “The Sovereignty and Goodness of God” and John Winthrop’s “A Model of Christian Charity”
  • The Connections Between Christianity And Charity
  • Understanding Catholic Charities in the USA and the Church-Charity Relationship
  • A Charity Hockey Pool’s Negotiation Experience at Work
  • Working for or with the Binghamton Tennis Charity
  • Why Donating Money to Charity Is a Good Idea

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Charity Organization Societies: 1877-1893

Charity organization societies (1877 – 1893), by john e. hansan, ph.d..

Introduction : The genesis of the Charity Organization Society (COS) movement had its roots in urbanization and the loss of “community” and mutual aid prevalent in rural areas of Western countries. By their very nature, urban areas fostered industrial accidents, diseases, unemployment, poverty, family breakdown and other social and economic problems. When afflicted by unemployment, sickness, old age or a physical disability, individuals and families without relatives or financial resources had few options: apply for public relief, appeal to private charities or beg help from strangers.

Crayon Portrait of Josephine Shaw Lowell, 1869.

The problems of dealing with urban poverty increased significantly when an area suffered an economic depression, labor strife or some other event that left large numbers of able-bodied men and women without a source of income. A vast number of independent groups had formed to ameliorate the problems of poverty caused by rapid industrialization, but they operated autonomously with no coordinated plan. The primary emphasis of the COS movement was to employ a scientific approach to cope with the expanding problems of urban dependency, the proliferation of private philanthropies and growing evidence that some individuals and families had learned to “game” the system by successfully appealing to multiple organizations for help.

The COS emphasis on a scientific approach led to the use of investigation, registration, and supervision of applicants for charity. It resulted too in community-wide efforts to identify and coordinate the resources and activities of private philanthropies and the establishment of centralized “clearinghouses” or registration bureaus that collected information about the individuals and families receiving assistance. These innovations were later incorporated into the casework method of social work, the organization of Community Chests and Councils, and the operation of Social Service Exchanges.

The industrial growth that followed the Civil War created crowded urban areas and led to poverty on a scale never before witnessed in the United States.  Cities were filled with rural and immigrant poor families required to live in unsanitary and unsafe housing and work in dangerous factories.  Then, in 1873, an economic depression in Europe combined with the turbulence of the post-Civil War years, led to a collapse of the American economy and what is known as “The Long Depression.” Banks and businesses failed, unemployment rose to 14% and those who retained their jobs saw wages cut to as little as one dollar per day.

This Harper’s Weekly illustration of Wall Street after the Panic of 1873 shows President Grant helping America, depicted as the woman on the right, escape from urban rubble.

The great risk for even the most virtuous hard-working families to fall into pauperism and end up at the charity of the community was another result of the depression.  The New York Society for Improving the Condition of the Poor found this to be true in New York City, seeing an increase from 5,000 families on relief in 1873 to 24,000 in 1874, and to an average of more than 20,000 families during the later 1870’s .  Newspapers consistently reported the increased use of soup kitchens.  The perception that basic relief efforts were enabling an increasingly vagrant group especially grew in large cities like Boston, where idle workers had demonstrated and demanded the city to employ them in public works. Many community leaders and supporters lost faith in the credibility of traditional charity and its ability to avoid enabling the unemployed.  Especially among the rich, the urgency for a reformed effort likely grew in response to this attitude.  In some cases, the government corruption that had been exposed during the depression was also an impetus to scientific charity.  The economic depression of the 1870s profoundly strained benevolent organizations; therefore, it was clear that a more organized system of charity was necessary.

An illustration of these times and the rise of a professional beggar class was described in 1880 by Reverend Oscar C. McCulloch, Pastor of Plymouth Church, Indianapolis at the seventh annual meeting of the National Conference of Charities and Corrections. His presentation entitled “Associated Charities” detailed the need to organize charities:

“…Every worker among the poor in our cities finds himself saying, “Who is sufficient for these things?” Let him conscientiously attempt to dispense charity wisely in any one instance, and he is made sensible of the organization of pauperism, and of the complex problem of poverty; of suffering beyond his reach, and of setting tides of evil beyond his control. My own introduction to this work was in this wise: In a small room I found an old blind woman, her son, his wife and two children, his sister with one child. There was no chair, table or stool, a little ” monkey stove,” but no fire; no plates, or kettles, or knife, fork or spoon. Such utter poverty horrified me. I soon had coal, provisions and clothing there. Chance led me into the office of our township trustee, where the historical records of all applicants for public aid are registered. Here I found that I had touched one knot of a large family known as “American Gypsies.” Three generations have been, and are, receiving public aid, numbering 125 persons; 65 per cent. were illegitimate; 57 per cent of the children died before the age of five. Distinctions of relationship were ignored. In the case above cited, the child of the sister was by her own brother. Since then I have found that family underrunning our society like devil-grass. In the diagram which I hold before you, the extent of it is traced to over 400 individuals. They are found on the street begging, at the houses soliciting cold victuals. Their names appear on the criminal records of the city court, the county jail, the house of refuge, the reformatory, the State prison and the county poor asylum. I give this as an illustration of the organization of pauperism, which takes it beyond the control of the individual and of the single society, making necessary an organization of charitable forces if the evil is ever to be controlled….” 1.

COS leaders wanted to reform charity by including a paid agent’s investigation of the case’s “worthiness” before distributing aid. They believed that unregulated and unsupervised relief caused rather than cured poverty. The paid agent, usually a male, made an investigation and carried out the decisions of the volunteer committee concerning each applicant, including maintaining records. A volunteer or “friendly visitor” was recruited to offer advice and supervise the family’s progress. COS visitors sought to uplift the family and taught the values of hard work and thrift to individuals and families. The COS set up centralized records and administrative services and emphasized objective investigations and professional training. There was a strong scientific emphasis as the COS visitors organized their activities and learned principles of practice and techniques of intervention from one another. COS views dominated private charity philosophy until the 1930s and influenced the face of social welfare as it evolved during the Progressive era .2.

Origins of the Charity Organization Society Movement

The London Charity Organization Society (COS) founded in 1869 became the model for the United States. It had as it objectives: 1) bringing order out of the chaos created by the city’s numerous charities by offering district conferences at which the agencies could discuss their common problems and coordinate their efforts; and 2) insisting on careful investigations of appeals for help and a city-wide registration of applicants. The London Charity Organization expressed the thought of all those who would follow in the COS movement: “ By this organization, when fully carried out, it is hoped that no loophole will be left for imposture; no dark holes and corners of misery, disease and corruption remain unvisited; no social sore fester untouched by wise and gentle hands; no barrier of ignorance or selfish apathy stand unassailed between the rich and the poor; no differences of creed prevent unity of action in the common cause of humanity. ”

The COS movement was introduced into the United States by two men from Buffalo, New York who were deeply concerned about the expanding destitution caused by the Long Depression of the 1870s. One was an Episcopal rector, Rev. Stephen Humphreys Gurteen, and the other was T. Guilford Smith, a young successful business man and a parishioner at St. Mary’s Church where Rev. Gurteen served. Along with a circle of friends, they discussed the social and economic problems of their community, the proliferation of private charities, and what more could be done to ameliorate poverty.  A plan emerged and as part of that plan, Rev. Gurteen traveled to England and spent the summer of 1877 learning about the London Charity Organization Society.  On his return, the two men drew up plans to adopt a COS in Buffalo.

The impetus for the Buffalo COS was the economic and social circumstances that resulted from a decade of severe economic depression and industrial strife in the 1870s. By 1877 the United States was entering its fourth year of a depression closely related to a collapse in the railroad industry. The railroads were the advance agents of industrialism, opening a national market for the first time and themselves providing a market for iron, steel, coal, and the products of related industries. Great wealth had been produced by the railroads, and hundreds of thousands of people derived their financial support directly from the wages paid employees. By 1877, construction of new track and rolling stock had virtually halted, related industries were sagging, and wages were slashed for railroad workers. Newspapers began to report cases of starvation and suicide attributed directly to unemployment and despondency. Many able-bodied men became tramps and roamed the states seeking the means of survival. These social and economic conditions were exacerbated in Buffalo because it was a manufacturing and shipping center. When afflicted by unemployment, sickness, old age or a physical disability, individuals and families without relatives or financial resources had few options: apply for public relief, appeal to private charities or beg help from strangers. To combat these conditions, a vast number of independent groups had formed to ameliorate the problems of poverty caused by the economic depression and mass unemployment; however, these agencies operated autonomously with no coordinated plan.

The Conditions Being Confronted by the COS

The Buffalo COS and the others that followed in the United States, like the London model., was intended to coordinate the city’s numerous charitable agencies, but it went an important step further. Rather than provide indiscriminate provision of alms, the society focused on more directed philanthropy or scientific approach for distributing assistance. In 1880, Reverend Oscar C. McCulloch, a Member of the Committee on Charitable Organization in Cities and Pastor of the Plymouth Church in Indianapolis gave a presentation at the seventh annual meeting of the National Conference of Charities and Correction. His paper detailed the problems a COS was attempting to solve by describing the operation of the Indianapolis Charity Organization Society, which was established in 1879.

“…The need of the organization of charities in our cities springs, first, from the wasted energy and effort. ” Half the labor of the most laborious people in the world is either wholly wasted, or of such an imperfect character as to require much further labor; which evils need not have been if there had existed considerable skill in organization.” So says Arthur Helps in his essay on ” Organization in Daily Life,” and he adds: ” There is another great branch of human endeavor, indeed the greatest, in which organization is especially necessary, and that is in the administration of charity.

“Few realize the number of agencies that exist for the amelioration of the condition of the poor, or the amount of money spent. Christianity has become ” structural,” that is, a part of the very structure of society, working instinctively and unconscious of its origin. Out of this “structural Christianity” flow all the tender feelings and earnest efforts which embody themselves in orphanages, asylums, societies and schools. What are all these but the casting out of evil ” in His name?” ‘

“Yet, says Rev. S. H. Gurteen, ” in spite of all that is being done in the way of charitable relief, it is found, on all hands:

1. That pauperism is steadly on the increase in almost every city in the land.

2. That the most truly deserving are those who do not seek, and, therefore, very often do not get, relief.

3. That the pauper, the impostor, and the fraud of every description, carry off, at least, one-half of all charity, public and private; hence there is a constant and deplorable waste in the alms funds of every large city.

4. That, by far, the larger part of all that is given in the name of charity is doing positive harm by teaching the poor to be idle, shiftless and improvident.

5. That but little effort is made, as a rule, to inculcate provident habits among the poor, or to establish provident schemes, based on sound business principles, so as to aid the poor to be self supporting.

6. That little, if anything, is being done to check the evils arising from overcrowded and unhealthy tenements, or to suppress the causes of bastardy, baby-farming, and other evils peculiar to the individual city.”

The Need for Organization

Objectives: The early movement to organize local charities addressed itself to two over arching objectives: 1) attempting to ameliorate the extensive suffering caused by destitution and the growth of poverty and vagrancy in urban areas; and 2) reducing the conflict between social classes. Early leaders of the movement professed the idea that poverty could be lessened, hardship ameliorated and professional beggars eliminated by employing a rational system of scientific charitable administration. This would be achieved by replacing the existing chaos in helping the poor by systematically coordinated private agencies. It was further believed that greater social class harmony would come from the mutual respect that would develop as the volunteers and staff experienced greater contact and relationships with poor families seeking assistance. In his 1880 presentation, Rev. McColloch outlined these elements:

“… The principles and objects of the society may be thus stated:

1. The complete severance of charitable relief and other charitable work of the society from all questions of creed, politics and nationality.

2. The social and moral elevation of the poor, (1) By bringing the richer and poorer classes into closer relations with each other by means of a thorough system of house-to-house visitation; and (2) By the establishment of provident and humane schemes for the gradual improvement of the condition of the poor.

3. The reduction of vagrancy and pauperism.

4. The prevention of indiscriminate and duplicate giving.

5. The prevention of imposition.

6. The procuring of immediate and adequate relief for the worthy and needy ones in the city….”

Methods and Operation : The emphasis on a scientific approach led to the use of investigation, registration, and supervision of applicants for charity. It resulted too in community-wide efforts to identify and coordinate the resources and activities of private philanthropies and the establishment of centralized “clearinghouses” or registration bureaus that collected information about the individuals and families receiving assistance. The workforce for the organized charities would consist of trained “friendly visitors.”  (Note: These innovations were later incorporated into the casework method of social work, the organization of Community Chests and Councils, and the operation of Social Service Exchanges.)  In Rev. McColloch’s presentation he details the methods as follows:

“…The general methods by which this society seeks to effect its objects and carry out its principles are: (1) Cooperation of all existing agencies. (2) Districting of the city and thorough investigation of the poverty and pauperism in the districts, and of the history, character and condition of every applicant for relief. (3) Organizing a trained band of visitors who go from house to house in friendly ways. These methods need detailed explanation.

1. Cooperation of existing charitable agencies. This brings together: The mayor, the police, the overseer of the poor and the heads of the institutions, as representatives of the official aid given; The local charities, fraternities, private institutions and churches as representatives of the private aid given; Individuals who are interested in the movement. From these a certain number is chosen as council or executive committee, whose function will be described later. It is evident that such a society, if complete, could, by aggregate wisdom and combined force, effect large results. It would present a solid front to imposture; effect exchanges of information; measure the work to be done and inaugurate schemes for doing it, which would be as wise and as successful as the business methods and plans of its members.

2. Districting the city. The society is practically related to the poverty and the pauperism of the city, through what is called its district committees or ward conferences. The various churches, clergy, local charities and societies, together with delegates from the overseers of the poor, dispensaries, unite in any district or ward. An office is opened, a superintendent hired. It is the business of this superintendent to make himself acquainted with the condition of the district; its needs, abuses, evils, and its various remedial agencies. All applicants for relief are registered and their case; carefully and kindly inquired into. I shall describe the committee in action later; suffice it to say that in the district committee the poor come up for consideration as individuals.

3. Organized visitors. It is the tendency of all societies to crystallize into fixed forms and methods. Work becomes mechanical; the order is one of routine. The individuals become members of a class to be dealt with by rule. There is no personal relation of individuals of the society with individuals of the class. Then, too, the society is suspected; treated with cunning and deceit, because of the benefit to be derived. To counteract both these tendencies bands of visitors are organized, of men and women. who will visit the poor in their homes. They take their warm hearts, cheery spirits and wise thoughts into homes where need is. They establish personal relations. They give no aid, save that which friendship dictates, nor are they allowed to use their position for purposes of proselytism or technical spiritual instruction….”1.

A Governing Council : A council or executive committee was the heart of a COS.  It was composed of representatives of district committees, representatives of charitable institutions, associations, etc., and ex officio members representing business, public officials and others specially selected for their standing in the community. In a central office, and under the immediate control of the Council or Executive Committee, a general registry was kept. In the general registry were all applicants for aid, whether from public or private sources, and information that served as a basis for plans and action. Rev. McCulloch listed the contents and their importance in his 1880 presentation:

“…”It will be remembered that the objects of the society are to reduce vagrancy and pauperism, and to ascertain the causes; to prevent duplicate and indiscriminate giving; to secure the community from imposture, and to see that all deserving poverty is relieved.

“But this can only be done when there is known the amount and extent of poverty, the names and addresses of all receiving aid, the various beneficiaries of the relief agencies. To this end the following system of registration is adopted:

1. The names of all applying for or receiving official outdoor aid, are entered. In the office at Indianapolis, transcripts of their history, as they appear on the books /of the township trustee, are taken. Related families are grouped together.

2. The names of all persons receiving aid in the various institutions or outdoor, are entered. These include the dispensaries, the hospital, the almshouse, etc.

3. All persons relieved by associations, societies, guilds, churches, so far as they cooperate, are registered.

4. All persons relieved by private charity, so far as they can be ascertained.

5. All persons in penal and reformatory institutions, and passing through the courts.

“All these are entered upon special and separate books and then gathered into a ” general index” in columns appropriately headed. Such a registry is valuable for the following reasons:

1. It reveals, according to its completeness, the extent of poor relief in the city.

2. It reveals the overlapping or the receipt of aid in the case of any individual from more than one source.

3. It reveals the amount of aid received by any one family.

4. It shows family lines; grouping together those related by marriage and descent.,

5. It shows the pauper or crime history of those families tracing them into prison, almshouse, reformatory or refuge.

6. It gives histories of families and individuals from which to deduce the causes operating to bring a family down; causes of heredity, association, etc.

7. It outlines the methods to be taken to elevate a family, or an individual, now degenerating, or remove another from evil associations.

“The information thus gathered is confidential, as regards the public, save to those entitled to know. The results are at the service of those who wish information in any particular case. The sources from which information is gathered are so many that the result is more accurate than could be reached by any single society or individual. The overseers of the poor, churches and benevolent individuals can, by the use of this register, inform themselves as to the history, condition and habits of all applicants for aid….”

“The District Office is the best illustration of the work of the society upon the individual. Each office has a paid superintendent, who is also its visitor. He investigates and is the medium through which the committee communicates with the various relieving agencies on the one hand, and the poor on the other. In District No. 1, Indianapolis, the method: of procedure is as follows:

The name and address of the applicant is entered upon the applicant book. Then in the record book are entered those facts which it is thought necessary to know. These are: Birth-place, previous residence, time in city, landlord, physician, age, name of woman before marriage, occupation, income, children; their names, ages, schools, earnings; rent and rent due; pawn tickets; help, if any, received from any other source; relations in the city or elsewhere able to assist. The applicant’s own statement of condition and need is then taken down, with the names of any references he or she may be able to give. If the case is known, and there is immediate need, the superintendent can grant immediate aid, reporting the same at the weekly meeting. He makes a personal visit to the house, and verifies, as far as possible, all the statements. The references, physicians, landlord and minister are written to on forms, which contain a prepaid answer-blank, to insure response. The police are interrogated, and the official register of public relief, or the filed transcripts in the office, are then examined. All these are entered in the record, and become a full and comprehensive history of the case. With the results thus obtained the case is brought before the committee. This committee is composed of representatives from the township trustee’s office (our poor office), the benevolent society, our principal relieving agency, the flower mission, from several of the churches, and, in addition, several individuals. The case brought up is carefully and kindly considered. Each individual is treated with respect, and with the desire to do that which shall permanently help him. Is he worthy or unworthy? If worthy, is there real need, or only fancied? If aid is required, of what kind-employment, food, fuel, medical attendance, nursing, institutional, and from what source? If resident for one year, then the township trustee is the proper source. If here only a short time, the benevolent society. If sick, the dispensary physician must aid; the flower mission visit, taking food, ice, milk, flowers, etc. It will be seen that there is no delay, no referring of the applicant from one society to another. The societies are here represented and at once assume the care of the case. If one society cannot give all the aid required, others combine; so that immediate relief and adequate aid are given. If employment is needed, the name is taken by some member, is also entered upon the book of the employment bureau of the benevolent society, and is printed in the Weekly Bulletin of the society.

“Friendly Visitors: The society seeks to interest and utilize a large number of/ visitors for personal work among the poor. Their work has already been described. Once each week the visitors meet. The cases passed upon by the district committee are taken up. Only here the worthy and unworthy are considered as proper subjects for friendly visiting. The visitors report as to their visits, plan out methods of helping, secure work and places. Each visitor is entrusted with but two or three families, which she is to visit every week or two. Once a month she is to make a formal report of the condition and progress of her families. It is this which gives the poor the greatest gift-a friend. As Miss Octavia Hill says: ” You want to know them, to enter into their lives, their thoughts, to let them enter into some of your brightness to make their lives a little fuller, a little gladder. You might meet them face to face as friends; you might teach them; you might sing for and with them; you might gladden their homes by bringing them flowers, or, better still, by teaching them to grow plants.”

“And this mercy is “twice blessed. It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” For the truth is taught that ” pity and need make all flesh kin.”1.

Rapid Expansion of the COS Movement

In 1893, a Report of the Committee on History of Charity Organization, was given by Charles D. Kellogg, Chairman, at the Chicago meeting of the National Conference of Charities and Corrections.  The title of his report was “Charity Organization in the United States.”  Below is the introductory portion of his report detailing the expansion of COS since 1877.

“RELIEF TWENTY YEARS AGO.– Legal relief consisted of outdoor and indoor systems, the latter being universally institutional; and therefore it only falls incidentally within the scope of Charity Organization efforts. The practice of legal outdoor relief differed greatly in different communities. In New York City the provision for this form of aid was comparatively slight, and consisted in appropriations for fuel distribution and for the adult blind in equally inadequate amounts, and a trifling sum for medicines at the City Hospital. In some cities, like Buffalo, Philadelphia and Brooklyn, large appropriations of money were made for outdoor relief, and its administration did not escape the suspicion of corrupt and political taint at times. In New England cities and towns, overseers of the poor or selectmen distributed, much at their caprice, the relief provided by taxation. But from every quarter testimony arises that the system was without adequate safeguards of investigation, tests of destitution, or means of hindering duplication of relief from several sources simultaneously, or of making the relief adequate to the necessity. Private almsgiving, for the most part through organized and often incorporated societies, was profuse and chaotic, while still behind the demands made upon it, and was dispersed in tantalizing doles miserably inadequate for effectual succor where the need was genuine, and dealt out broadcast among the clamorous and impudent. Amid all this mean prodigality there were almoners seriously and studiously in earnest to make the relief they gave beneficent and not injurious; but the system, or rather want of it, and the exaggerated conceptions of their resources excited among the poor, degraded and impeded their labors. In fact, twenty years ago those in the United States who thought that the function of relief could be lifted above temporary material aid were few in number and but just beginning to be heard. Indeed, it was the industrial depression following the commercial crisis which began in the autumn of I873, throwing multitudes out of work and making a heavy draft upon the benevolent, which seems to afford the starting-point for the examination and reformation of the prevailing methods of charity…. (p.54)

“…Buffalo has the honor of being the first city in the United States to produce a complete Charity Organization Society of the London type. The Rev. S. H. Gurteen, an English clergyman, who had been active in the London Society, was settled as an assistant minister in St. Paul’s Church there; and he systematized the work of his parish guild so that every application for aid was promptly investigated. He proposed in I877 the creation of a clearing-office to which the charitable agencies of the city should send daily reports; and he lectured on “Phases of Charity,” attracting much attention. Simultaneously citizens, having met in conference, were engaged in an effort to reform the methods of municipal outdoor relief, which had become extravagant, was careless and corrupt. Failing to obtain legislation in Albany to create a commission for its control, they secured an ordinance from the city, under which, in October 1877, all applications for relief were for the first time investigated by the police. On Dec. 11, 1877, as a result of these agitations, the Charity Organization Society was set afoot at a public meeting; and it adhered to the principle of co-ordinating existing relief agencies and giving no relief from its own funds except in rare emergencies.

“In 1882 there were twenty-two Charity Organization Societies known to exist in the United States, and ten others which had adopted some of the leading features of this movement, and were enrolled as correspondents with the former societies. They embraced cities and towns having a population of 6,331,700, or twelve per cent of the total of the United States; and among them were the chief centres of influence in the country. Of these societies ten were in or had just completed the first year of their operations; and among them were some destined to be the most important in the Union…” 3.

1. Oscar C. McCulloch, A  Member of the Committee on Charitable Organization in Cities and Pastor of Plymouth Church, Indianapolis — A Presentation at the Seventh Annual Conference of Charities And Correction, Held at Cleveland, June and July, 1880. (pp.122-135)

2. Encyclopedia of Social Work Vol.1, Seventeenth Issue (Washington, D.C. National Association of Social Workers, 1977) p.97

3. “Charity Organization in the United States.” Report of the Committee on History of Charity Organization, by Charles D. Kellogg, Chairman, P. W. Ayres, T. Guilford, Smith, J. W. Walk, M.D., W. R. Walpole – A Presentation at the National Conference Of Charities And Correction’s Twentieth Annual Session Held In Chicago, Ill., June 8-11, 1893

National Conference on Social Welfare Proceedings (1874-1982) . University of Michigan:  http://www.hti.umich.edu/n/ncosw/

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Social Welfare History Archives. Minneapolis, MN : https://www.lib.umn.edu/swha

How to Cite this Article (APA Format):  Hansan, J.E. (2013). Charity Organization Societies (1877 – 1893). Social Welfare History Project.  Retrieved  [date accessed]  from https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/eras/civil-war-reconstruction/charity-organization-societies-1877-1893/

15 Replies to “Charity Organization Societies: 1877-1893”

Genna – COS in England became the Family Welfare Association and subsequently Family Action. Family Action still exists to day supporting families across England and Wales and next year we celebrate 150 years since COS was originally founded in 1869!

Please kindly give me the historical context of Elizabethan Poor Law of 1601. Great article though. Well done

Thank you for the question. There are many factors that let to the enactment of the Elizabethan Poor Laws of 1601 and you can find a lot of information of the Web. In my opinion, the major reason was the Protestant Reformation and the closing of monasteries and other Roman Catholic organizations what had been administering to the poor, a form of private charity. When aid was no longer available from monasteries, particularly in times of food shortage, the population became unruly and the English Government was moved to act.

A series of poor harvests led to famine conditions and whereas people had, in the past, turned to the monasteries for help, since their dissolution, there was little charitable support to be had.

Parliament, fearing civil unrest, decided to make the parish responsible for administering a system of compulsory poor relief through the Poor Law Act of 1601.

Hope this helps you. Jack Hansan

What is the COS today? Does it even still exist? Please help!

Dear Gibby112: The COS operated in different communities until the 1920s. By the 1920s, ideas about social insurance and publicly funded entitlements began to replace COS concerns about public aid, resulting in a partnership between public and private agencies in the delivery of social services. Regards, Jack Hansan

Hi, I would like to use this text for a report. Could you please tell me what date you wrote this? Thanks!

This entry was posted on February 4, 2013. Thank you. Jack Hansan

Hello, can you tell me if this work was pubished, if so where and what date? I would like to reference it.

Many thanks

Georgia: This entry is a composite of reports contained in several presentations at meetings of the National Conference of Social Welfare during the period cited. It would be sufficient to reference it from the Social Welfare History Project using the APA style. Thanks, John E. Hansan, Ph.D.

I am a handicapped person from India, I would like to request your help to open a charitable society and help the handicapped persons and prosthetics help for them for their rehabilitation

It is beyond the scope of the website. Good luck. JEH

[…] COS leaders wanted to reform charity by including a paid agent’s investigation of the case’s “worthiness” before distributing aid. They believed that unregulated and unsupervised relief caused rather than cured poverty. The paid agent, usually a male, made an investigation and carried out the decisions of the volunteer committee concerning each applicant, including maintaining records. A volunteer or “friendly visitor” was recruited to offer advice and supervise the family’s progress. COS visitors sought to uplift the family and taught the values of hard work and thrift to individuals and families. The COS set up centralized records and administrative services and emphasized objective investigations and professional training. There was a strong scientific emphasis as the COS visitors organized their activities and learned principles of practice and techniques of intervention from one another. COS views dominated private charity philosophy until the 1930s and influenced the face of social welfare as it evolved during the Progressive Era. SOURCE: The Social Welfare History Project – Charity Organization Societies: 1877-1893 by John E. Hans…. […]

Thank you. Jack Hansan

[…] Charity organization society in usa […]

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Essay On The Benefits Of Charity

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Money , Life , Love , Happiness , Emotions , Taxes , Charity , Business

Published: 01/15/2020

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Introduction

It has often been said that sharing is good. Sharing not only benefits the recipient of the act of goodness, but the giver or contributor of goodness as well. Feelings of happiness and contentment are often associated with people who share what they have. It may be in the form of money, goods, services, time, or anything that can be of help to another person. As a result, more people are now open to doing charitable work without expecting anything in return. The best consolation that one gets out of being charitable is the knowledge and feeling that someone else is enjoying and finding good use for items shared or donated.

What Charity Does to Individuals

Charity is the voluntary giving of money, time, or other resources that one has. For various reasons, people consider being charitable towards others in need. For some, it is about the inner satisfaction that one gets out of knowing that they were able to help another person. Although the most common way of helping is through monetary support, it does not always have to be that way. Even an offer to teach less fortunate children on how to read and write will also bring forth the same happy feelings. Offering to take care of a neighbor's baby produces fulfilling and lasting emotions. Thus, regardless of the form of help an individual extends, the feelings of satisfaction and contentment are the same. The author of the book, Why Kindness is good for you, Dr. David Hamilton claims, "When you do something for someone else, your brain produces [the] hormones [called] Dopamine – which makes you feel happy, and gives you the feeling that what you are doing is right" (as cited in Herdman, 2011). Therefore, the happy factor works both ways, that is, for both the receiver and the giver. Furthermore, research proves that because of these happy feelings, people tend to repeat the actions more. With the idea that helping others makes the giver happier, people tend to give more, causing a circular motion of giving and receiving. The happier the person becomes, the more giving the individual is. Thus, people become more giving to and understanding of other people's needs. For some individuals, this is enough motivation to keep the spirit of giving alive. Apart from the emotional satisfaction that the giver feels, there are other benefits to sharing and being charitable. According to Hamilton, "The act of doing something for another person in any capacity has health benefits. Performing acts of kindness has been found to boost your immune system, keep your heart healthy and even slow the ageing process." (Herdman, 2011).

Other Benefits of Charitable Acts

Other reasons for donating to charity include reduced tax liability for the giver. Tax deduction depends on the value of the items an individual donates. The higher the value of the items, the higher the tax deduction an individual is allowed to claim (eHow contributor, n.d.). Another benefit is how donating to charity can help individuals remove clutter. Instead of simply throwing away items that can still be used or recycled, these items can be donated instead "to the less fortunate individuals or nonprofit organizations" (eHow contributor, n.d.). Giving also helps improve living conditions in communities that otherwise have no access to basic goods and services. As groups help raise the living standards of the less fortunate, karma comes in by bringing good tidings and better opportunities to the giver. It is believed that whatever individuals give to others is returned to them twofold or threefold of what they have shared to other people.

Sharing is a contagious feeling. The more one gives, the happier one becomes, thus, the more an individual dares to share more. When other people see how happy a person is after the act of giving, that person becomes a testament to another, which helps create a ripple effect of people sharing and giving to others. Therefore, one's happiness and satisfaction does not only come from receiving gifts from other people, but also from knowing that an individual can also make a difference in another person's life through charitable acts.

eHow Contributor. What are the benefits of donating to charity? eHow. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_5092658_benefits-donating-charity.html Herdman, S. (2011). Charity, giving, and good karma. The Telegraph. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/health/cancer-research-uk/8792392/Charity-giving-and-good-karma.html

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The Effects of Nonprofit Reputation on Charitable Giving: A Survey Experiment

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  • Published: 13 June 2019
  • Volume 30 , pages 811–827, ( 2019 )

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  • Shuyang Peng   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-0735-9625 1 ,
  • Mirae Kim 2 &
  • Felix Deat 3  

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A nonprofit’s reputation is a crucial intangible asset that can bring significant benefits to the organization. Using a multidimensional framework, this study tested the effects of three dimensions of nonprofit reputation—financial efficiency, media visibility, accreditation status—on charitable giving behavior. The findings of this 2 × 2 × 2 full-factorial survey experiment show that each of the reputation dimensions has a significant individual effect on giving behavior. Furthermore, financial efficiency and accreditation status have an interaction effect on giving behavior. The findings also demonstrate the cross-level interaction between financial efficiency and the real-life giving behavior of individuals and between accreditation and the real-life volunteering behavior. This study provides implications for our understanding of the components of nonprofit reputation and their impact on charitable giving.

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The total charitable giving as a share of GDP has remained around 2% over the past half century (Soskis, 2017 ).

Auspurg and Hinz ( 2015 ) recommend, for a vignette containing 7 variables, no more than 10 vignettes should be given to a single respondent, in order to avoid fatigue effects. This study had 3 variables and 8 vignettes, which was within the limit recommended by Auspurg and Hinz ( 2015 ).

The parameters for differentiating a high and low level of media visibility were chosen on the following basis. For visibility in traditional media, we conducted a search in the database of LexisNexis Academic (now called Nexis Uni) to obtain the number of news reports of well-known nonprofits (e.g., St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Red Cross USA, Save the Children, Big Brothers Big Sisters) in 2015 and 2016. The number of news report ranged from 900 to 5000. Since some of these organizations had many local branches that might increase the total number of news reports, we chose a lower bound of 950 to illustrate high media visibility. We also looked for the number of Twitter followers of those well-known nonprofits as well as that of small nonprofits. The followers of well-known nonprofits ranged from hundreds of thousands to millions and that of small nonprofits ranged from hundreds to thousands. We chose two million to represent high social media visibility and one thousand to represent low social media visibility.

We did not perform a manipulation check for financial efficiency because our manipulation of financial efficiency was consistent with existing studies (e.g., Gneezy et al. 2014 ; Metzger and Günther 2019 ). The manipulation of accreditation status between yes and no was concrete and directly observable; hence, we did not perform a manipulation check of accreditation status. We only checked the manipulation of media visibility because such manipulation is not available in the extant research. The manipulation check helped us to determine whether participants perceived “appeared in news media 950 times in 2016 and 2 million Twitter followers by the end of 2016” as high organizational visibility, and “occasionally appeared in news media in 2016 and 1000 Twitter followers by the end of 2016” as low organizational visibility.

The numerical rating scale was chosen for this study because a rating scale is generally recommended for a factorial vignette experiment that examines attitudes and behavioral intentions (Auspurg and Hinz 2015 ). Also, this study chose the 0–100 scale in order to give respondents sufficient freedom to discriminate between vignettes.

For more information, please see overheadmyth.com.

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Shuyang Peng

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Peng, S., Kim, M. & Deat, F. The Effects of Nonprofit Reputation on Charitable Giving: A Survey Experiment. Voluntas 30 , 811–827 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-019-00130-7

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Published : 13 June 2019

Issue Date : 15 August 2019

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-019-00130-7

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The Reasons Why Charity Is Important

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