Supporting Charities in Challenging Times: Why Donations Matter More Than Ever

FRANÇAIS

In a world where charitable organizations play a crucial role in supporting communities and causes, their ability to meet these growing needs relies heavily on the generosity and trust of donors. Recent events, such as the postal strike, have underscored the importance of ensuring that charities continue to receive vital support.

While postal service in our country resumed earlier this week, the impact on fundraising of the month-long strike has been significant. The disruption in postal service occurred at this most critical time of the year for fundraising—a time when most annual donations are made.

Unfortunately, charities have seen a sharp decline in donations at a time when demand for their services is soaring. According to an Ipsos poll conducted for CanadaHelps, a quarter of Canadians rely on charities for basic needs such as food, shelter and health services. The funding to provide these services comes from donations.

“We remain concerned about the impact of the recent postal disruption on fundraising—and most importantly those who rely on the services provided by charities,” said Jennifer Johnstone, chair of AFP Canada. “This postal disruption will have a lasting impact on charities’ ability to deliver essential services to communities in need. Fundraising and donations are needed now more than ever.” 

To meet this growing need, building and maintaining trust in fundraising is essential. That is why professional fundraisers adhere to the AFP Code of Ethical Standards which is a strict and enforceable code of ethics for  the over 26,000 AFP members. They also respect the Donor Bill of Rights. 

“It’s important for donors to know that AFP members are bound by a code of ethics that commits them to telling the truth and keeping their promises,” explained Johnstone. “While there’s a lot more to the code, trust and truth, for me, are fundamental elements.”

The recent postal strike serves as a reminder that charities face unexpected challenges in their mission to do good. But with trust, clear ethics, and donor engagement, we can all play a role in overcoming these barriers. By giving thoughtfully and exploring alternative methods of support, we ensure that the charities we care about can continue their life-changing work.

Donors considering which charity to support should ask themselves some questions before making a gift: 

• Is the charity’s work relevant and responsive to the community’s needs?
• What impact is the charity having in the community or in the world? 
• Are its programs working and effective, and are they in response to issues and services that I personally care about? 
• Is the organization treating me and my gift ethically and appropriately?

AFP encourages all donors to generously support charities and make a meaningful impact by contributing in ways that are most convenient and effective. Whether donating via phone, online, or in person, these methods help ensure that your contribution reaches those who need it most, as quickly and efficiently as possible. Your generosity has the power to make a real difference in the lives of others, and we thank you for your continued support and commitment to helping those in need.