Charity
Leslie Fuhrmann considers the case for giving
I live fairly simply, within my income. This creates a problem, as my bank balance consequently tends to grow. My family are self sufficient and will benefit from my estate in due course. My capital reserves in ISAs and other investments are adequate. They are equal to about six months of my normal annual expenditure, which seems to be adequate to cover likely needs. I have no need, or interest, in any investment to make more money. Relevantly, a staff member of Which magazine tells me that lots of other people are in the same position; though, of course, we all know that there are too many others less happily placed.
I, and others in a similar position, have a responsibility to use our spare cash constructively, rather than to let it lie fallow, or rest in a bank account earning no, or minimal, interest (which we do not need anyway).
The challenge is ‘How best to use our spare resources/cash?’
First, charitable giving is an obvious answer; but having scrutinised the accounts of a sample eighty charities, I know that charities are a very mixed bunch. Some absorb much too high a proportion of their gifts in ‘overhead expenses’. Some appear to be ‘gravy trains’ for senior executive staff who are paid vastly more than comparable staff in the public services, or in commercial organisations with similar staff levels and responsibilities. Some charities have disproportionately large ‘reserves’. If you are thinking of giving to charity – look before you leap.
All that glisters is not gold. Emotional appeals, perhaps promoted by several ardent full time fundraisers, are not reliable guides to the best use of your largesse. On the other hand, my research has indicated that Quaker charities are sound, effective, and economically administered, as are many others. But watch your step…
One ‘plus’ for giving to charity; if you tell the charity that you are an income tax payer, the charity can reclaim the twenty per cent tax you have paid on your income, for example, increasing an £80 donation to £100. All you need to do is to keep a note of these charitable donations, to enter the total on your annual income tax return.
Second, giving personally where you perceive a need for a helping hand, or gift, in your own circle of acquaintance or community is a very good way to help others, or to help others to help others. Has your Meeting a welfare fund that helps Friends in need, or to get to Meeting? Have you thought of a subscription to the Friend as a birthday or Christmas gift for an interested member or attender? You can give (at any time) a year’s worth of rewarding weekly rays of Quaker light…
Third, seek wider opportunities. Can you find ways of increasing British economic health? I know an excellent jobbing builder, nearing retirement, and am encouraging him to take on an ‘apprentice’ to increase his productivity and help to ease youth unemployment (I have offered to subsidise the venture until the youngster is earning his keep…). I don’t yet know of a way to give reasonable support to sound Quaker business ventures, but it seems like a good idea…
Fourth, you are unique. So is your community. Share your blessings to ease the loads that others bear.
Do you need to relieve your conscience from the weight of your unused resources?
No more, but my love.
