Giving Patterns Reveal Increasing Focus on Those 'Worthy' of Compassion
Charities must now frame issues so that donors believe
they are giving to innocent victims.
by G. Jeffrey Macdonald,
Religion News Service posted 09/12/2005 09:00 a.m.

As Americans set new records for charitable giving in response to Hurricane Katrina, some fundraisers are seeing a principle confirmed: when the suffers are perceived as innocent victims, donors respond generously.

On the other hand, giving patterns suggest donors are losing patience with chronic problems such as poverty, in which suffering is arguably exacerbated by questionable choices. Private donations are shrinking for homeless shelters, AIDS-related services and programs for troubled youth, to cite just a few examples.

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