Hello everyone,

Today's quote is from a donor I found on a fundraising marketer's website. It says a lot about the psychology behind giving.

"It’s even easier these days to be scared about money and whether I can hang on financially. But when the fear takes hold, I have a solution that soothes my anxiety. I take out my checkbook and give money away. I’m not sure why that works, but it calms me down and lets me move on, knowing that things will work out in the end."

I've certainly had this experience - feeling relieved of my problems by giving.

It's hard to think of others when you've got your own life problems you want to fix or escape from. That's why we're grateful to people who help pull us out of that small world problems state to see the bigger picture of life. It makes us feel hopeful for a better future, which pulls us out of the painful now.

Charities have it tougher than most during global financial hardship. They're seen by some as institutions begging for money from people who don't have it.

To overcome this mental and social barrier that will reflect in our campaigns, we should take money out of the main line of focus, and remind ourselves of the importance of giving during hard times - for the receiver and the giver.

Best regards,

Craig

Digital Fundraising & Marketing Executive

barnardos.org.uk