Science uncovers another benefit of charitable giving

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that among the reasons it's great to be a fundraiser is that charitable giving makes your donors more happy, more healthy, and more wealthy. Science has uncovered a new reason to feel good about our job. Seems generosity helps your, well, social life (nudge, nudge, know what I mean?). Really. Check out the study reported in Dienekes' Anthropology blog: Altruism and sexual attractiveness:

... people (and especially women) find altruists more attractive. Thus, altruism can be seen as a sexually selected trait, and advertisement of one's propensity to be giving, and hence, presumably be a good parent and provider.

I'd hate to be one of those irresponsible bloggers who cites a scientific study out of context because it supports his beliefs. But this is science, for goodness' sake. I'm just saying. You can feel good about motivating people to give. Because you're helping them feel good.

Technorati Tags: fundraising, donor psychology

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[Mark Brooks]

I knew my wife was attracted to me for more than my looks and brains!

From another Brooks