“Checkout charity”: Cause for concern?
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Though you may not recognize the term, you’re likely familiar with “checkout charity.” That’s the name given to a relatively new and fast-growing way for making charitable contributions.
Different than the more strategic or planned giving that occurs through the Peninsula Community Foundation, checkout charity donations are often the result of spur-of-the-moment, periodic or one-time asks triggered by a tragedy (Hurricane Ian), holiday (feeding the food-insecure at Thanksgiving) or cause (health and safety products during the pandemic). Solicitations can occur in person or online, and by either a familiar face or automated means like text messaging. |
And while these donations may appear small on an individual level—say a dollar or more added to a grocery store visit—they quickly add up! In fact, Engage for Good reported that $605 million was collected in 2020 by 76 campaigns that each exceeded one million dollars, a 24% increase from 2018 when 79 campaigns exceeding one million dollars brought in more than $486 million.
However, concerns about such efforts have included feelings of anxiety, uncertainty or lack of knowledge about such causes; whether the gifts would reach their proper destinations or be used as intended; or if there could be elements of fraud or misrepresentation. Nearly 50% of survey respondents described such campaigns in negative terms or feelings like “annoyed,” “pressured,” or “being judged.” Of the remainder, 30% had neutral feelings; only 20% were positive.
The community foundation encourages support of all legitimate organizations and causes. But given the rising number of opportunities to give, their frequency and spontaneity—at a checkout line, initiated by a social media post or a stranger’s ask—we also encourage proper vetting of the requester and obtaining an appropriate confirmation for tax purposes when applicable.
The Peninsula Community Foundation works for you as a one-stop shop for impactful giving specific to the organizations you hold dear. We have and will continue to offer:
–A welcoming attitude and relationship of trust built over time.
–Discretion in receiving and distributing your gifts, providing anonymity when that is a priority.
–Appropriate recordkeeping for tax deductibility or other legalities.
–Professional management of your donor-advised fund or other account.
We welcome your questions regarding any organization or cause seeking your financial support.
However, concerns about such efforts have included feelings of anxiety, uncertainty or lack of knowledge about such causes; whether the gifts would reach their proper destinations or be used as intended; or if there could be elements of fraud or misrepresentation. Nearly 50% of survey respondents described such campaigns in negative terms or feelings like “annoyed,” “pressured,” or “being judged.” Of the remainder, 30% had neutral feelings; only 20% were positive.
The community foundation encourages support of all legitimate organizations and causes. But given the rising number of opportunities to give, their frequency and spontaneity—at a checkout line, initiated by a social media post or a stranger’s ask—we also encourage proper vetting of the requester and obtaining an appropriate confirmation for tax purposes when applicable.
The Peninsula Community Foundation works for you as a one-stop shop for impactful giving specific to the organizations you hold dear. We have and will continue to offer:
–A welcoming attitude and relationship of trust built over time.
–Discretion in receiving and distributing your gifts, providing anonymity when that is a priority.
–Appropriate recordkeeping for tax deductibility or other legalities.
–Professional management of your donor-advised fund or other account.
We welcome your questions regarding any organization or cause seeking your financial support.
For more information about establishing a fund, please contact Michael Monteith, Email/757.327.0862
