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Many readers may not know Mark doesn’t pocket 1 cent from his role at PBRG. All his profits go to his Nicaraguan charity, FunLimón.
Its mission is to assist in economic development and provide select social services to the Nicaraguan community.
As a Palm Beach subscriber, you’re helping improve the lives of thousands of impoverished families.
But Mark doesn’t just throw money at problems. He’s discovered unbounded charity does more harm than good. It creates a sense of entitlement and selfishness.
In the excerpt below, he explains his “Ten Commandments of nondestructive charity”…
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From Mark Ford, founder, Palm Beach Research Group: Charity is a double-edged sword. It must be exercised with caution. To keep that sword from unintentionally doing damage, I make sure 10 rules are followed:
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The donor must be certain the money is being requested to satisfy a “need” rather than a “want.”
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The donor must be able to see some productive result from his giving.
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The donor must not simply hand over 100% of the needed money.
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The recipient must make a formal, written application for the money.
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The recipient must state, in explicit terms, how he’ll use the money and how it’ll have a positive effect on him… and on others.
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The recipient must faithfully and scrupulously honor the terms of his contract. He cannot apply for further assistance until all obligations have been met.
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After receiving aid, the recipient must formally—and convincingly—thank the donor.
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The charitable action should be a matter of public record. Private charity—contrary to what some say—is the worst kind. Neither the donor nor the recipient can opt to be anonymous.
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In giving money (or other help), the donor should assume responsibility for the recipient’s actions related to the gift. It’s primarily the giver’s job to make sure the recipient uses the gift as intended.
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Throughout the entire process, the recipient must treat the donor with utmost respect.
If your idea of charity is writing a check to UNICEF once a year or volunteering for a soup kitchen from time to time, you may find these Ten Commandments disturbing—perhaps even outrageous.
If you feel that way, I submit it’s because you’ve never thought much about what it means to help your fellow man.
Loosely enacted, charity can be very destructive. That’s why my motto has become: “Do less harm than good.” It reminds me, in giving help, I take on the responsibility to make sure the help I give doesn’t disable.
Reeves’ Note: You can read Mark’s full essay on how to give—without doing harm—for free, right here.