Charities: key players for a better world
Tuesday 5th November 2024, Reading time: 10 mins
Introduction
Did you know that behind societal change can lie charities dedicated to improving our world? These organisations reflect values such as solidarity, altruism and social well-being. They are involved on a daily basis in helping people in need, responding to the economic and social problems affecting our society.
They play a crucial role in tackling major issues such as poverty, education and health, both in France and around the world. In this article, we explore the definition of a charity, its impact on society, and how you can help make a significant difference.
What is a charity?
Definition
A charity is a not-for-profit organisation whose main aim is to help vulnerable people and address social issues such as poverty, hunger, access to education or healthcare. In France, these organisations are mainly governed by the law of 1 July 1901 on the contract of association, which means that they are not for profit and that all profits are reinvested in their mission.
Recognising a charity
There are a huge number of associations under the 1901 Act, but what distinguishes charities from others is that they are charitable organisations dedicated to helping people in need. They focus on humanitarian aid and meeting the needs of the most disadvantaged people.
How do charities impact on society?
Social security contributions
Humanitarian associations respond specifically to emergency and one-off situations. More generally, charities respond to critical needs that government structures are not always able to meet. They fight poverty, tackle food insecurity, improve access to education in disadvantaged regions and combat preventable diseases. They play an essential role in helping those most in need.
Economic impact
By providing essential services, these organisations often lighten the burden of public welfare systems. They intervene where government resources are insufficient, providing essential support to communities in need. Charities can also create jobs and stimulate the local economy through their activities.
Case study: the importance of efficiency
It is important to note that not all associations have the same impact, even if they work on the same issues. Some methods are more effective than others, creating up to 100 times more positive impact. For example, Against Malaria Foundation is a humanitarian association that distributes insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets, a simple but extremely effective intervention to prevent malaria.
How to set up a charity in France
Steps in setting up a charity
Creation of an association under the 1901 law:
Incorporation: Drawing up the articles of association, defining the corporate purpose and setting up a governance body. Under the law, two or more people pool their knowledge or activities for a purpose other than sharing profits.
Registration: File a declaration with the prefecture or sub-prefecture to obtain a receipt for the association’s declaration, which attests to its legal existence.
Publication of a notice of creation of an association: This stage makes the creation official by publication in the Journal officiel des associations.
Legal framework and tax benefits
Associations must comply with non-profit-making regulations in order to benefit from tax exemptions and be able to receive tax-deductible donations and legacies. Associations recognised as being in the public interest benefit from advantageous tax arrangements, encouraging individuals and companies to support their actions.
Application for recognition as a public utility
To be recognised as being in the public interest, an association must meet the following conditions: it must be democratically run, disinterestedly managed and have an influence that extends beyond the local area. The application for recognition as a public utility is submitted to the government and may offer additional tax benefits.
How to contribute to a charity
Financial contributions
Financial donations are the backbone of charities. Charities rely on generosity to fund what is most urgent, such as the purchase of medicines, the deployment of health specialists and humanitarian aid on the ground. Recurring donations provide financial stability, helping organisations to plan and execute long-term projects. Donations and legacies are also powerful tools for making a lasting impact.
Fundraising
In addition to financial contributions, organising fundraising or community events is an excellent way of mobilising a wide audience and increasing the impact of your contribution. Campaigns to raise awareness of causes also help to spread the culture of solidarity.
Volunteering
Joining an association as a volunteer is another valuable way of contributing. Volunteers provide extra support, whether it’s administrative assistance, awareness-raising campaigns or hands-on work. Volunteers play a key role in associations, helping to spread altruism and strengthen the social fabric.
Charity success stories
Showcasing achievements
New Incentives offers small financial incentives for families to bring their children to clinics for vaccinations. This helps to increase child immunisation rates, prevent disease and save lives.
Helen Keller Europe is an organisation that provides vitamin A capsules to children at risk. A single capsule costing less than a euro, administered twice a year, can save a child’s sight and life.
Against Malaria Foundation distributes treated mosquito nets for less than €5, protecting two people from malaria for two years. Between 2004 and 2019, the use of mosquito nets prevented around 816 million cases of malaria and saved around 4.8 million lives.
Concrete example of the impact charity can have
Discover the story of Abdoul, a four-year-old whose health has been transformed thanks to a small vitamin A capsule. A simple intervention with a huge impact.
How to ensure transparency and trust in associations
Financial transparency
Some associations publish the association’s accounts, enabling the people who have supported the project to know exactly how the funds are being used. Regular, detailed reports build trust. Having been assessed by independent bodies can be further proof that funds are being used properly.
Donor confidence
As the link between you and effective charities, Mieux Donner is committed to providing impact reports that show exactly what your donation has achieved. We also carry out rigorous due diligence to verify the effectiveness and legitimacy of the charities we recommend.
The importance of impact
Maximising your impact
It is crucial to choose associations that make efficient use of resources to maximise the impact of every euro donated. Mieux Donner selects charities whose impact is measurable and meaningful, ensuring that your generosity has the greatest possible effect.
Effectiveness vs. intention
While all contributions are laudable, some interventions have a disproportionate impact on the well-being of beneficiaries. The interventions highlighted on our site are recognised as high impact by the world’s leading evaluators. By choosing high-impact charities, you can multiply the impact of your donation.
Conclusion
Charities are key players in building a better world. Supporting those that have the greatest impact and that intervene where the needs are most urgent allows each donation to go further and change more lives, maximising the positive effects of your generosity.
Take action
Want to make a difference?
Donate to high-impact charities.
Contact us for free personalised advice on how your generosity can make a difference.
Share this article with your friends and family to raise awareness of the importance of charities.
Together, we can create a lasting, positive impact on the world.
Romain Barbe
Romain is co-founder and co-director of Mieux Donner. You can contact him at romain@mieuxdonner.org or by using the contact form.