Quote from: Lynzoi on July 12, 2011, 07:06:26 PM

I've been looking into charities lately. I'm reluctant to simply donate money to the poor. I'm afraid they will consume it, lose incentive to work, and remain poor forever. I'm interested in organizations that strive to free people from poverty.

I like the Grameen Bank. I read the book written by the founder a few years ago. I was impressed by it. This organization gives out business loans to groups of extremely poor people, and uses peer pressure to make them work to pay the loan back. Then the poor receive more loans and are able to support themselves just as anyone else would.

I also like the NewSchools Venture Fund. They fund education entrepreneurs who do things such as start charter schools in poor communities. I absolutely hate the American public school system, anything that gives children more options is good.

I donated 1 btc to Wikileaks, but that was more out of convenience than anything. I don't know a great deal about Wikileaks, but I think the less secret the world's secret torture camps are, the better.

I know I focused on poverty here, but feel free to talk about any charity you think is worth consideration. Cancer charities, abused kitten charities, whatever.

First off, good thread.

I agree with hating the American public school system, although for me any variant of the Prussian school model is unacceptable. I'll have to look into this New Schools Venture, but personally I'm a big advocate of homeschooling (although I understand most families lack a parent with the free time for it.)

Wikileaks is a good idea, but I'm not sure how much I trust them. A few BTC is probably not a bad idea.

The Grameen bank sounds good, and I've heard people applauding the various micro-loan sites out there... but I'm uncomfortable helping people out through loans. I think it's better than just giving them money, but I also agree with the principle that "the borrower is servant to the lender." So that's out for me.

Nowadays I refuse to give to cancer charities; I'm really inclined to not give to any "let's cure X" medical charities anymore. As much government involvement that exists in healthcare, and with the suppressive activities of the pharmaceutical industry, I'm pretty much convinced the billions spent on cancer research and the like has been a waste, that the cures are either known or require outside-the-box approaches, and that these charities ultimately have very little incentive to solve the problems.

So what TO give to? Hmmm...

I usually give to the food pantry at the churches I've attended, and have seen folks benefit from those.

I'm somewhat into liberty-oriented "charities" right now. Things like the Civil Disobedience Evolution Fund, Orlando Cop Block, etc.

Thinking about it though, lately I've just done a lot of end-runs around actual organized charities. I'm trying to be more interactive with my local community, and have found myself trying to address local needs for people I know personally. Sometimes just a timely gift can go far for someone. I've known of folks who, say, had a kid who wanted to go to a sports camp, but they couldn't afford it, and have anonymously donated money for it. At one of our local city food festivals, which helps to raise money for local churches and charities, I target the ones I like (like a soup kitchen) and often leave a donation as well. I've also given time to a few local activities, both church-related and other.

Anyone else with any thoughts as to what organized charities are worthwhile?