The following are the results of a poll given by the Barna Research Group. It may shed some light as to why people give. Remember people give of their time and talents for similar reasons they give their money to the church or other organizations.
They have a great reputation for being reliable and trustworthy.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
66% 27% 2% 4%
You feel good about yourself when you know that you have helped others.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
59% 31% 5% 6%
The organization is involved in a type of work that is of greatest interest to you.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
54% 35% 4% 4%
You have seen or studied the work of the organization firsthand and know they’re trustworthy.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
49% 36% 4% 9%
The organization is highly recommended by people you know personally and trust.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
39% 35% 11% 13%
The organization has helped you, or people important to you in the past.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
34% 35% 10% 20%
The organization serves people in a geographic area that is of interest to you.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
31% 40% 13% 14%
The organization has made donating to them easy and simple.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
30% 38% 12% 18%
The organization is highly rated by groups that study the work of nonprofit organizations.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
27% 39% 13% 17%
You were particularly moved by an appeal they made.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
20% 41% 17% 20%
You attended an event sponsored by the organization and were impressed.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
19% 33% 17% 29%
You received a tax deduction.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
14% 25% 21% 40%
You expect the organization to provide you with some type of help or service in the future.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
12% 16% 19% 51%
A celebrity or personality whom you respect is promoting the organization.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all
8& 15% 19% 56%
The organization is offering a gift or other item of interest to you in return for a modest donation.
Very Somewhat Not too much Not at all.
4% 10% 15% 69%
Source: OmniPoll 4-94; Barna Research Group Ltd., Oxnard, CA.