Atheist Charities

There is a common myth in America that says religious believers are charitable and atheist are not. Yet three out of four of America's top philanthropists* are atheist or agnostic. Every day, nonbelievers throughout the country make charitable contributions and volunteer within their communities. The idea that atheists as a whole are selfish or uncaring about others is untrue, and, frankly, quite offensive.

Charitable giving can be categorized in many ways. In the most basic sense, charity can be divided into financial donations and volunteer work. It could also be more widely defined as kindness or leniency toward others. Theists do not have a monopoly on any of these charitable actions.

Financial Donations

When it comes to charitable donations, atheists often give just as theists do. However, their contributions are not always apparent because their donations are not flagged as being "from atheists". For example, many atheists contribute to religiously affiliated charities such as St. Jude Children's Hospital, because they support the work that charity is doing. Yet these religiously affiliated organizations are seen as "proof" that believers provide charity, without recognizing the fact that they are partially funded by nonbelievers.

Atheists may also run into an obstacle if they want to donate to charities that support their intended cause (poverty, education, health, etc.) but do not want to support spreading a religious ministry at the same time. Many religious organizations do provide charity, and for that they should be commended. Yet, frequently the funds they collect are also used to proselytize. To those who believe, spreading the "good word" may be seen as charitable work itself, but atheists would disagree.

Fortunately, atheists can (and do) contribute to secular charities or to religious affiliated charities that do not proselytize. One organization, the Foundation Beyond Belief, has been specifically designed to help non-theists find these charities more easily and contribute to them through regular monthly donations.

Another organization, Kiva, facilitates microfinance loans around the world. Members (lenders) give their money to be used by those in need, often to start or expand a business. As these poverty-level entrepreneurs begin to make money, they repay their loan. Kiva lenders are repaid and can choose to reloan the money, donate it to Kiva's operating expenses, or cash out. At Kiva, atheists actively lend money everyday.

Volunteer Work

With volunteer work, atheist face many of the same opportunities and obstacles. Religious organizations are not always open to having an atheist in their midst, and atheists should not have to pretend to believe to be involved. Fortunately, there are many local volunteer organizations that are open to receiving help from the godless.

Public schools are always in need of volunteers and will not (should not) turn away atheist help. Food pantries, homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters are also good options for those who do not have kids in public schools. Atheists can also find local atheist groups through Atheist Alliance International's Freethought Directory, and look for groups that volunteer together.

Whether contributing through financial donations or by volunteering their time, atheists offer charity every day. It's time to recognize that fact and stop the myth that believers are the only ones who give.

*Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and George Soros