Now more than ever!

Like many others, I received a letter from my electricity provider last week. Starting in January, the cost per kilowatt-hour will increase by 70%. Combined with the inflation that is now noticeable in all other areas, it is no wonder that one reads in Germany, Austria, and also Switzerland that even the middle class now has to “tighten their belts.”
So, do we need to cut back on donations as well? The circumstances of life are too varied for me to presume to give general advice here. As a father of two children, I know how challenging it can be when money is tight or the financial future is uncertain. I, too, have not always donated as much as I do now.

Nevertheless, I have personally answered the question of whether to cut back on donations with “On the contrary!” This decision was not prompted by a new study or research findings but by the powerful description from Caroline Teti, an employee of the organization GiveDirectly, recommended by Effektiv Spenden, about what extreme poverty means.

Several months ago, GiveDirectly highlighted that inflation hits those in extreme poverty the hardest. The consequences of the war in Ukraine, combined with droughts exacerbated by the climate crisis, have led to the price of maize flour, a staple food in Kenya, doubling this year. For people who already struggled to feed their families, the impact is not, as it might be for some in Europe, changing what they eat, but whether they eat at all.

In this context, Caroline reminded me that despite all the challenges, my family and I can be very grateful for the circumstances we live in. To my great joy, it seems I am not alone in feeling this way. Recent surveys by the Deutscher Spendenrat (German Donation Council) show that Germans’ willingness to donate remains strong, with more donated in 2022 than ever before. However, the data also indicates a significant decline in donations in some areas, including development cooperation.
I sincerely hope that the willingness to donate continues through the Christmas season, especially in areas that are currently receiving less public attention. Together, we can ensure that soon no mother will have to cook stones.

About the author

Sebastian Schwiecker

Founder and Managing Director

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I am the founder and managing director of Effektiv Spenden. If you have any questions or feedback about this article, you can send me an email or reach me at 0176/23570281. You’re also welcome to book a free donation consultation with me.