Donor fatigue, skepticism and scale
Posted by katya on Mon, May 19, 2008There is an interesting AP story that just went on the wire stating that numerous disasters in a row - like the Burmese cyclone and the Chinese earthquake - create fatigue and depress giving. But there is more to that story:
1. It’s not simply the numbers of disasters, it’s the numbers themselves. It’s well documented that people can’t grasp huge statistics or fathom masses of people in need. We think in terms of individuals, and so the higher the scale, conversely, we feel the effect less immediately. Says one non-giver:
“If you thought about at this very second the number of people who were suffering and dying, I could dedicate all my resources to that and yet it would be a drop in the bucket.”
2. Donors need to believe they can make a difference. That’s not the case in Burma, where aid is being blocked by the miltary government. It’s more the case in China, where we’ve seen much more giving.
3. Personal ties make a difference - especially in faraway countries, where people may feel less immediately connected.
Interestingly, the story notes the Giving USA Foundation says companies are pledging relief funds for China, perhaps because so many do business there. That last fact is important.
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