Impulse philanthropy

First, let me say that the lupus walk is Saturday and I’m about halfway to my goal. If you feel so inclined, please donate to the cause, which is important to me personally, and probably to someone you know. Lupus is really not uncommon.

I also wanted to talk a little bit about philanthropic giving. Awhile back I basically resolved to start donating money to causes that seem positive to me as soon as I was asked. What I realized is that when I’m asked to give a donation, if I don’t donate immediately I generally do not donate at all. Even if I fully intend to go back and make a donation, I rarely seem to follow through.

So of late I’ve tried to pull the trigger right then if I feel moved by the request at all. I know some people plan out their charitable giving very carefully, but I’m not one of them. So I have tried to be more “impulsive” in my giving.

I would also note that people in the fund raising business seem to understand this all too well. That’s why they want you to give immediately rather than waiting to think about it. I guess I’ve decided to just go along with them.

Update: Have to admit I’m sort of overwhelmed by everybody’s generosity. Now I can never say no when anyone makes a personal request for a donation, ever.