Charities see Donations drop

Charities are seeing a big drop in donations. I don't think it's entirely due to the economic crunch because property launches and the stock markets are still buzzing. What the TODAY article failed to acknowledge is the bad publicity caused by many of the corrupted and pilfering charities. Yes, Singaporeans are disillusioned with the purported righteousness of charities. To me, that is sad, because there are many brothers and sisters out there doing good deeds and the money would make their mission so much easier. The article also talked about re-evaluating fund raising methods - lucky draw or lottery was one brought up. It sounds like TOTO/4D to me sometimes, I can;t quite put a finger on it besides admitting that it can quite effective. I am keen to believe that churches should get more enterprises and businesses involve - especially those of believers. The do-good spirit beckons as Christmas approaches.

TODAY ARTICLE

Title : Charities see big drop in donations, some urge rethink in fundraising methods
By :
Date : 05 October 2009 0622 hrs (SST)
URL : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1009290/1/.html

SINGAPORE : A survey of 10 charities has revealed poor takings in the past financial year, with donations falling by as much as S$2.03 million.

While the economic downturn was cited as a reason, other factors include the end of fundraising drives held in other years.

But in Singapore, the Handicaps Welfare Organisation has bucked the trend, collecting over $171,000 more from the previous financial year.

A key to its success is its lucky draw fundraiser, which helped offset the drop in takings from flag days.

Charities interviewed by TODAY said the 'tin-can' method of the fundraising may not work as well as in the past, especially with growing competition among voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) for donor support.

Some have suggested going for more creative methods, such as lotteries similar to that run by the blind in Ireland.

For the charity sector, the government is one alternative source of funds.

Earlier it announced a $15 million contingency fund to help VWOs tide over the economic crisis.

About $9 million have so far been disbursed by the ministries of health, and community development, youth and sports. - TODAY