The Problem with Giving Anonymously

One of the considerations that comes up when you decide to participate in charitable giving is the topic of anonymity. Depending on the type of person you are and the effects you are looking for, giving anonymously may seem like the way to go rather than making your donations well-known to everyone. There’s arguments for each side and ultimately, the decision is up to you. Before making your next philanthropic move, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of giving anonymously and publicly. 
Giving Anonymously
​There are plenty of factors that go into making the decision to be anonymous in your giving. These can include your background, the organization you are supporting, etc. Here are the advantages and disadvantages associated with giving anonymously:

Disadvantages

• Giving anonymously keeps you from being recognized for your work. 
• This could keep you from being part of the decision making process when funds are distributed within the organization.
• Your motives for giving may be questioned under some circumstances.

Advantages 

• The focus is kept on the organization rather than the individual donor.
• You will not be overwhelmed with requests from other organizations for donations.
• You can keep the causes you support private if they are ones that would cause controversy among people in your life.
• Your name is kept out of the public eye which can be beneficial for  privacy.

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​Giving Publicly
Disadvantages

• People have insight into your financial ability which can be dangerous in some situations.
• You may be expected to give the same amount consistently which could stretch your limits. 
• When certain philanthropic issues rotate into the media cycle, people will look to you for action and you may be expected to donate to all types of causes. 

Advantages

• Making your charitable contributions known can inspire others to donate. 
• You can build a good reputation within your community. 
• You don’t have to be secretive about organizations you are actively involved with financially which allows you to talk about your passions to others. 
• GIving publicly helps you open up more opportunities for discovering similar organizations to contribute to. 

Public donations are preferred by many organizations and offer them more opportunities and benefits than you may realize. For example, the more donors they are able to publicly include on their list, the more likely they are able to grow their work with the community. Not only does your donation help fund their projects, you name attached to a charitable gift can be used to help elevate fundraising efforts, create compelling stories, and help the organization build a relationship with you as a donor.