I came across a refreshing article today in the CCPA (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives) BC Update. It was about a $100,000 donation to the BC branch of the CCPA and it didn't mention the donors names in order to maintain their privacy.
Such altruism seems so rare these days, when it seems that every donation, especially large ones, comes with strings attached. Charities, public arts facilities, universities, hospitals -- all assume that anyone giving them money will want something in return; at the very least recognition, often more - such as a say over what the money is used for, or reports on how it is being spent.
I once listened in disgust and dismay to a group of university fundraisers discussing the "price" of parts of the campus. You would have to give so much to get a lab named after you; less to have your name put on a chair or a wall; more for a wing of a building; even more to have the entire building renamed in your honour. I was tempted to ask how much you'd have to give before they'd rename the university in your honour.
Another thing I find distasteful about fundraising is the slavish way that so-called major donors are treated. They are feted and celebrated; awarded honourary degrees and, of course, they have buildings named after them. Their banal utterings are treated as the wisdom of the ancients; their lame jokes bring down the house. And yet, though they have given a lot; proportionally, they are not giving any more than someone far poorer. And of course, they benefit from their gift; through tax provisions, through public accolades, through prestige.
Whenever I see a report of a major donor being lauded, I think of the New Testament; of the parable of the widow who gives only a pittance to the temple, but how her gift was greater than that of the rich man because she gave so much more proportionally. And I think of the admonishment to people who donate for more than just altruistic reasons: "When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret..."
Those anonymous donors to the CCPA did not let their left hand know what their right hand did. I can think of many wealthy companies and individuals who could learn a lesson from that.
Posted by wetcoast at September 28, 2003 10:29 PM