I think buying and donating are the same.  Here’s why.  When I give money to a charity, I am buying:

• A chance to be moved by someone’s story in an emotional way
• An opportunity to feel I’m not powerless in the face of need and can help (this is especially true during disasters)
• Empowerment to feel that I’m changing someone’s life
• A sense of closeness to a community or group (like my son’s athletic team)
• A possible tax deduction
• A way to memorialize someone (who is struggling or died of a disease… for example, I bought that for my mom and for my dad after I lost them)
• A way to continue my family tradition since I was raised to give to charity
• A chance to be “hip” by supporting a charity (i.e., wearing a yellow wrist band) when it’s in-style to do so
• A way to feel connected to other people… to build my social network (i.e., my friend is running in a 10k soon and I want to support her)
• A chance to be the “hero” (and to have a good image for myself/my company)
• An opportunity to leave a legacy that perpetuates me, my ideals or my cause
• An opportunity to give something back to others
• A way to follow my religion because I believe that God wants me to share what I have
• And finally, I want to be seen as a leader/role model

What do you think supporters buy when they donate to charity? Sound off below.

Related Posts:

• The Myth of the Disappearing Donor
• What’s the difference between buying and giving

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