Challenging Giving Back Myths: Insights from Dr. Heather Bergdahl

1. Dr. Heather Bergdahl Shares Myths About Giving Back Debunked Dr. Heather Bergdahl says that “if you have the money and the drive to give back, helping the NGO’s you care about can be one of the best privileges of being rich." Modern philanthropy has many positive aspects, but it is also filled with misconceptions and lies. These can be a source of distraction for donors and pose a risk to their efforts to give. The famous philanthropist John D. Rockefeller described this as “the difficult art of giving.” In this guide, we will unravel the reality behind some of these rumors. Myth 1: You Need Wealth to Make a Difference Some people think that only rich people can do charitable work through philanthropy. But the truth is, even small contributions can have a big impact. Charities need regular donations to keep doing their important work. Dr. Heather Bergdahl points out that big

2. one-time gifts are nice, but it's the steady support that helps them plan for the future and carry out long-lasting programs. And philanthropy isn't just about money; your time, skills, and connections can also make a huge difference. Myth 2: Only Wealthy People Know What Communities Need You might think that people with money automatically know how to help communities in need. But actually, effective philanthropy means listening to the people affected and letting them decide what help they need. Trust-based philanthropy is all about giving donors the freedom to use donations as they see fit, based on their own experience of the issues they face. For example, instead of assuming that giving out food is the best way to help a community, trust-based philanthropy might involve asking community members what they need most—maybe it's job training or access to education. By trusting the people who know their own needs best, philanthropy can have a bigger and more meaningful impact. Myth 3: Bigger Charities Are Always Better When you're new to giving, you might be drawn to big, well-known international organizations. They often get a lot of attention and seem like they can solve major problems. While these groups do important work, smaller local charities often have a deeper understanding of what communities really need. For instance, a big charity might provide blankets to people affected by a disaster, which is helpful. But a smaller charity might know that what people really need is a safe place to stay, so they focus on building shelters instead. By supporting these grassroots organizations, you can help bring about more targeted and impactful solutions, especially in areas where they have personal connections and firsthand experience. Myth 4: Low Overheads Equal Better Charity Some people think that charities with low administrative costs are more efficient. They believe that if a charity spends less on things like staff salaries or office space, more of

3. their money goes directly to helping people. But in reality, overhead costs are often necessary for charities to function effectively. Imagine you want to build a house. You need to buy materials and pay workers to build it. If you try to save money by buying cheap materials or not paying workers enough, the house might not be safe or sturdy. Similarly, charities need to spend money on things like paying staff fair wages, training them properly, and having a safe place for them to work. These expenses are crucial for providing high-quality support. Focusing solely on cutting costs can actually hurt a charity's ability to help those in need. Instead of looking at how much a charity spends on overhead, it's more important to look at what they're doing with the money they have. Are they using it effectively to make a difference in people's lives? Myth 5: Starting Your Own Charity Is the Best Way to Give According to Dr. Heather Bergdahl, it is a common assumption in society that starting a new charity might seem like the most direct way to make a difference. You have an idea, so why not start your own organization to tackle the problem? But with thousands of charities already out there, it can actually be inefficient and duplicative. Imagine you're at a potluck dinner with lots of different dishes to choose from. If everyone brings the same thing, like mashed potatoes, you end up with too much of one thing and not enough of others. Similarly, if everyone starts their own charity to tackle the same issue, they end up duplicating efforts and spreading resources too thin. Instead of reinventing the wheel, collaborating with existing charities allows donors to make the most of their resources and expertise. By working together, we can achieve greater impact and make a real difference in people's lives.

4. Key Takeaways In closing, let's remember: every little thing counts. Whether it's giving your time, sharing what you have, or just spreading the word, your actions matter. We can create a world where helping out is the norm. Listen to each other, support local causes, and team up to do even more good. Together, we can make life better for everyone. So, let's start now, knowing that even the smallest gesture can spark big change. Let's keep that spirit alive and watch as our kindness grows, making the world brighter for us all.