Philanthropy in 2009

The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah, recently was reported to have said that philanthropic groups are vital in helping Malaysia deal with hardships during the current global economic meltdown.

However, there remains the question whether the funds or donations intended for philanthropic organizations actually reach them. The media often highlight charitable giving from businesses to those in need. While many view this as a laudable effort of corporations in being socially responsible, others believe that the endeavor is merely for press coverage.

While perhaps most corporations fulfill their pledges and charitable promises, it has come to the CSR Digest‘s attention that funds are sometimes not received as promised, or alternatively, are received so late that the funds were not able to fulfill the purpose for which they were pledged.

In 2009, the CSR Digest will run a media watch on pledges and charitable giving by businesses. The Digest will determine to its best ability whether the funds were received, and if so, whether in a timely manner.

The CSR Digest is privileged to be working with DONAID TRACKING SYSTEMS Community Interest Company (UK 06345852) in this project. DONAID is a web-based tracking system, to be launched in Asia Pacific in 2009. The system allows donors to transmit and track donations to charity, giving donors the assurance that what they give actually arrives.

If you have any queries, or wish the CSR Digest to do research into any particular donation or pledge, please contact us at editor [a] csrdigest dot com.