On Charity - Dan Pallotta, TED

http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_way_we_think_about_charity_is_dead_wrong?language=en

Food for thought about the double-standards that exist for non-profit and for-profit companies. Definitely worth watching.

Why do we give, why do we serve? Is it to aid the cause, or is it a form of 'penance'?

If it is the latter, we need to accept that we are knowingly keeping the needy where they are by denying the model of impactful charity work. If it is the former, we need to change the way we think about non-profit and give freely to make the most impact, not the most penance. Frugality does not equal morality, and expecting this from non-profits is hurting the very cause we aim to support.