An adviser to some of Britain’s biggest philanthropists is calling for charities to be classified on the basis of most and least worthy causes, writes The Guardian.
Martin Brookes, chief executive of New Philanthropy Capital, said such standings would help discourage ill-informed or self-interested giving and promote philanthropy directed to where it can do the most social good.
“We need to ask whether it is possible to design frameworks that catalog charitable causes, and, ultimately, charities, according to their field of work,” Mr. Brookes said in a London speech Wednesday. “Attempts to prioritize charitable causes are valuable, forcing us to question the choices we make when giving away money.”
Stephen Bubb, head of Britain’s Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, said the suggestion of a “moral index” for charities was dangerous. “People need to be better informed, but charity has to remain a matter of individual choice,” he said.
2 Responses to Rank Charities Based on Their Social Value, Urges Philanthropy Expert
bob8465 - September 30, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Philanthropy is about being generous with your personal reasources with causes that fit you life’s mission. It continues to amaze me that we have “Elitists” who would rank our generosity. The arrogance for someone to tell me what would be most appropriate in my giving. Where do these people come from?
81154412 - October 1, 2010 at 12:16 pm
People will continue to give to causes that touch their hearts, no matter who creates a “worthiness” index. I suspect the purpose of this proposition has much to do with promoting Mr. Brookes’ business and little to do with concern about philanthropy.