For those of us in the not-for-profit sector, considerations around philanthropy are a daily norm. We must consistently consider the needs of our service users, the methodology for effective service or aid delivery, the ethics surrounding program design and implementation, the responsibility that comes with using donor funds to achieve pre-agreed objectives, and so on.
These considerations are ever-evolving and require responsible and critical self-reflection, as well as thorough contextual analysis. However, these thoughts and questions are not the sole remit of those on the side of the service provider, whether that be an NGO, international agency, or humanitarian aid organisation. It is imperative that donors, volunteers, community organisers, beneficiaries and individuals also take time to think about some of these considerations, as their role in promoting, supporting and critiquing the sector will contribute significantly to its effectiveness and development.
Friday, 5th September, is the International Day of Charity. Established by the UN in 2012 with the objective of sensitising and mobilising people, NGOs, and stakeholders, it is an opportunity for us all to really take time to make conscious and deliberate choices around our own roles within our communities, both local and global, and consider how we might make impactful and meaningful contributions to it.
In 2025, the humanitarian sector faces immense challenges: prolonged wars, new displacement crises, and worsening effects of climate change. Against this backdrop, the way charity is understood and delivered has never been more critical.
Moving Beyond Old Perceptions of “Charity”
Too often, the word “charity” has been associated with a model of giving based on pity or guilt. It has been depicted as a one-way act, where the donor holds all the power, and the recipient is passive. This view not only undermines the dignity of those receiving support but also risks alienating the very communities humanitarian aid is meant to empower.
At MOAS, we challenge this outdated model. For us, “charity” is not about pity: it is about solidarity, justice, and shared responsibility. Our approach to aid is based on partnership and respect, ensuring that every act of support maintains the dignity of those on the receiving end.
Charity, for MOAS, means building bridges between caring individuals and those in need, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently, transparently, and with integrity. It demonstrates that compassion can be powerful when combined with professionalism, planning, and accountability.
It is often assumed that the International Day of Charity is merely an opportunity for fundraising, and of course, eliciting donations is an essential part of running any charitable programme, but this is a reductive and oversimplified view of an individual’s potential to create change in the world around us. Even the acts of choosing an organisation to donate to, selecting a mechanism for doing so, and following up on whether and how to communicate it are filled with implicit decisions and effects. However, donating isn’t the only way to be charitable or contribute to causes close to your heart.
As members of society, we all have the power to use our platforms and networks to learn about the emergent issues, as well as the civil society groups and charities working within them. We can responsibly promote and amplify the information and messaging we feel is essential, and in doing so, create or participate in active communities. We may choose to contribute to specific causes, through donations, volunteering or activism, to add capacity to movements and organisations, while also fostering opportunities to provide feedback that will shape and improve the outcomes. However, even without these outputs of charitable activity, we are still left with the basic responsibility of our personal interactions and communications. Choosing kindness, patience, understanding and curiosity in our individual and interpersonal exchanges with others, whether in person or online, is in itself an act of charity.
All this is to say, that whether or not we acknowledge it or realise it, we are already part of a system of charity- at home, at work, in our local communities or as a global citizen. It is up to us to be aware of our influence and ensure that our impact reflects our values and priorities.
Why Transparency Matters
In a time when many people question where their donations go, MOAS places transparency at the heart of its operations. Every euro donated is carefully tracked, audited, and turned into measurable impact. Whether evacuating the wounded in Ukraine, delivering food in Somalia, or teaching children in Malta, we ensure supporters know their contribution is part of something real, tangible, and life-saving.
This level of transparency is not optional; it is essential. True charity in 2025 requires accountability. Donors deserve honesty, and communities deserve aid that is respectful, professional, and effective.
How You Can Support MOAS
On this International Day of Charity, we invite you to be part of our mission by supporting MOAS in ways that reflect your values and possibilities. Every action counts:
- Make a one-time donation: Support urgent missions in Ukraine, Sudan, Somalia, and Malta.
- Become a monthly donor: Provide stable, predictable funding that allows MOAS to plan ahead and respond faster.
- Fundraise in your community: From charity runs to bake sales, your creativity can fuel our life-saving missions.
- Corporate partnerships: If you represent a business, join us in creating impactful campaigns and in-kind support.
- Legacy giving: Consider including MOAS in your will, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and solidarity.
- Volunteer and advocate: Share our stories online, speak about our work, and help amplify the message of dignified aid.
Each of these actions directly enhances our capacity to continue providing aid where it is most needed, while respecting the dignity of those we serve.
Final thoughts
This week, MOAS will be honouring 5 September by taking this opportunity to engage with one another, our partners, donors, and our beneficiaries to reevaluate our strategies, develop best practices, and hold space for feedback and brainstorming. I invite you to join us in challenging outdated perceptions and becoming part of a global community that redefines the true meaning of charity. Together, we can continue saving lives, rebuilding communities, and shaping the next chapter of humanitarian efforts.
To hear more from us, interact regarding plans or opportunities and give feedback to our team, you can engage with us on social media or email [email protected]. To donate to our work please visit www.moas.eu/donate or get in touch to talk to a member of our fundraising team.