# You win lots of money, and choose to donate some to causes/charities. Which ones? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 6, 2014, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870 "2014-11-06T12:55:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/1 "2014-11-06T12:55:17Z")
Let’s say you win £50million on the Euromillions. In the UK, that’s tax-free, so for the sake of this hypothetical let’s say it’s tax-free for you too. And let’s say that you decide to pass some of that good luck on to some charities. I mean, you can buy a nice house, help out your family, etc, and still have a lot left over. If you don’t want to donate to any charities or causes for whatever reason, even in a hypothetical, this thread is not for you. I’d choose: The hospice my Grandad died in that a very good friend is now in The dance company my daughter used to go to for free A local AIDS hospice that also happens to help out people with other diseases The Celia Hammond Animal Trust The Blue Cross The National Autism Society Childline MIND The Globe Theatre All because they’ve helped me or my friends out in the past and it would make me feel good to pay it back. Also because they’re good organisations that need the money, but I admit that feeling like I was paying something back would be a major motivator. There’s another organisation that sort of helped me out in the past (by providing discounted classes for my daughter) but they really don’t need the funds. Also I’m fairly certain, due to my personal interactions with them, that they’re above-board and my donations would actually help. Plus: Wateraid Oxfam (they have some issues but they have economies of scale that make them worthwhile) Helen Keller International Ronald McDonald House Charities (perhaps accompanied by a statement that I’m doing this because they don’t actually get any direct funding from McDonald’s, just from the pots left at the counter and donated to by customers) The Innocence Project Setting up a trust in my name or whatever name and distributing funds according to applications would be more than I could ever do, even in this hypothetical. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/2 "2014-11-06T12:59:36Z")
I’d further support causes I already support. Two local animal shelters, the ACLU, and NORML. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/3 "2014-11-06T13:02:02Z")
In the hypothetical world where I hit a big jackpot, I’d set up a foundation to award scholarships - does that count as a charity? The two main causes I support locally are the animal rescue groups and the local women’s shelter, so both of those would benefit. Beyond that, I’m inclined to bypass big organizations and help directly, altho I’m not sure how that would work. Obviously all a dream, since I can’t even remember the last time I bought a lottery ticket… ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/4 "2014-11-06T13:45:37Z")
Yeah, I’d give more money to charities I already give to: Trout Unlimited PIRG, and Gabrielle Giffords’ group, Americans for Responsible Solutions. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/5 "2014-11-06T16:32:55Z")
Some animal rescues, the school system where I went to school, the church I belonged to as a child, and maybe something nice for my city. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/6 "2014-11-06T16:35:24Z")
I would start an elephant sanctuary. Really. There is one in Tennessee and I think it’s a cool idea. I do love elephants and they are so mistreated. I would also give money to my alma mater, the Kentucky Horse Park and the Salvation Army. ---
**Author:** ![Lorene89095](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a8b319/32.png) [@Lorene89095](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lorene89095)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/7 "2014-11-06T16:38:11Z")
Couple of really good horse rescues would have hay. And food and litter for cat rescues… The local shelter would have more kennels ---
**Author:** ![Winston\_Smith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e95f7d/32.png) [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/8 "2014-11-06T16:46:25Z")
I’d donate some to the American Cancer Society. The day I got married, I swore that if I ever had a windfall, I’d pay to have the church in which I got married air conditioned, and set up a trust to maintain said air conditioning, so I’d do that. Fund local food pantries and ‘soup kitchens’. I’d probably donate to some to my Lodge, too. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/9 "2014-11-06T18:50:20Z")
[Heifer International.](http://www.heifer.org/about-heifer/index.html) NORML. [Kiva](http://www.kiva.org/). Something for the conservation of habitat and species, but I’d need to do more research. If I REALLY had a ton of money, I’d buy up a bunch of land that was about to be bulldozed into a strip mall or something and open a sanctuary for wildlife, with a focus on the less-popular critters. (No offence meant, \*\*peedin \*\*- your dream is a truly lovely one as well.) ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/10 "2014-11-06T18:58:06Z")
20% to hunger relief charities, particularly groups that serve children 20% to NAMI and/or any other group working to destigmatize mental illness and improve treatment options. 20% to Diabetes research 10% to arts education 10% to animal shelters 10% to my church 5% to my alma mater 5% to as many kickstarter/go fund me campaigns as I could. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/11 "2014-11-06T20:54:33Z")
Mostly local charities in my city. The Marian Clinic Let’s Help Humane Society Others as I heard of the need. How does one donate anonymously? To me, if you give expecting to get a public thank you, it’s not all that charitable. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/12 "2014-11-06T21:19:37Z")
Mostly everything goes to charities providing medical of food relief in the third world, most of the rest to to charities providing education or running orphanages in the third world, a bit goes to Amnesty international, a bit for the latest war/tsunami/earthquake. The same charities I already make donations to. No reason to change. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/13 "2014-11-06T21:23:13Z")
I’d give a ton to the nonprofit where I work. I see first hand how amazing it is. I’d set up a fellowship supporting my causes. Then more money to public radio, animal shelters, and food banks. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/14 "2014-11-06T21:24:06Z")
> [@gwendee](#): > > 20% to hunger relief charities, particularly groups that serve children > 20% to NAMI and/or any other group working to destigmatize mental illness and improve treatment options. > 20% to Diabetes research > 10% to arts education > 10% to animal shelters > 10% to my church > 5% to my alma mater > 5% to as many kickstarter/go fund me campaigns as I could. So you’re giving it all away? Why not save some for The Human Fund? If you are interested I’ll give you my address. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/15 "2014-11-06T21:26:50Z")
I didn’t notice it was that much money (£ 50millions). In this case, I create a foundation and run it on my (now) free time. Still for third world food relief/medical relief/education. Except that I now pick specific projects to fund. It probably ends up in a big scandal when it appears that I funded an international network of child rapists running orphanages as a cover and drug traffickers pretending to ship rice out of Mexico. ---
**Author:** ![Suburban\_Plankton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suburban_plankton/32/219_2.png) [@Suburban\_Plankton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suburban_Plankton)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/16 "2014-11-06T21:33:59Z")
Local animal shelter Shriners ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/17 "2014-11-06T21:36:18Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > I’d give a ton to the nonprofit where I work. I see first hand how amazing it is. > > I’d set up a fellowship supporting my causes. > > Then more money to public radio, animal shelters, and food banks. Shockingly, this is where my money would go, as well. ---
**Author:** ![Sarabellum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarabellum/32/3492_2.png) [@Sarabellum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarabellum)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/18 "2014-11-06T22:44:04Z")
I’d like to donate money to help educate prisoners and inmates, and to help them get back on their feet and find work after being released. I’d like to adopt an elementary school and have a fund set up so that no child is ever denied breakfast, lunch, or afterschool care if their family needs it and can’t pay. ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2014, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/19 "2014-11-06T23:36:48Z")
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention American Liver Foundation It Gets Better Project World Literacy Foundation ShelterBox Autism Speaks Meals on Wheels ETA: And our new church. They have a lot of ministries, like a good bank and an after school program, among other things. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2014, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870/20 "2014-11-07T00:18:12Z")
I’d set up an investment trust fund, & donate half of all annual profits to a different charity yearly. That way, I can create a constant & growing stream of funds for a long time. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-win-lots-of-money-and-choose-to-donate-some-to-causes-charities-which-ones/703870.md?page=2)