Trust as a Resource for Developing Charitable Participation

Abstract

Charitable activity is a crucial resource for societal development, especially in times of increasing social inequality and a growing number of vulnerable groups. In Russia, however, there is currently a contradiction: while charity is recognized as a socially accepted activity, it does not always receive sufficient public recognition. Private donors often give irregularly, whereas charitable organizations aim for long-term cooperation. In times of crisis, systematic charity is at risk. The sustainability of charitable practices requires the efforts of civil society and the support from the government’s social policies aimed at reducing social inequalities. The methodology of this study is based on the concept of trust as a factor determinant of charitable participation. The study examines the social constructs of trust, social justice, and public approval, and their impact on charitable giving. This paper focuses on the practices of private donors, their perceptions of charity, and the relationship between their involvement, the level of trust in charitable organizations, and their subjective sense of happiness. The aim of the study is to identify the relationship between trust in charitable organizations and engagement in charitable activities. The study revealed that the motives for charitable giving range from altruistic to psychotherapeutic (the 'warm glow' effect). At the same time, a low level of trust in charitable organizations remains a significant barrier to regular participation. The findings show that, despite the efforts of charitable organizations and the state, social stereotypes that associate charity with suffering persist. Action is needed to promote charity as a positive practice and to build greater trust in charitable organizations. The results of this study can be used to develop strategies for charitable organizations to attract private donors, promote a culture of participation, and popularize charitable activities. They can also be used in educational projects.