Every time a scandal like this unfolds, trust is eroded. (Picture: PA)
In a world where every penny counts, especially for those most in need, charities are finding it harder than ever to raise the vital funds they need.
I see that firsthand – and it’s troubling, but not nearly as troubling as it is to see figures within the sector behaving in ways that will ultimately harm the entire ecosystem of goodwill.
Hannah Ingram-Moore, daughter of the late Captain Tom Moore, a national hero who captured the hearts of millions during the pandemic, has been embroiled in controversy regarding how cash raised in her dad’s name has been handled.
A report from the Charity Commission said that Ingram-Moore and her husband showed a ‘pattern of behaviour’ in which they benefited personally from the Captain Tom Foundation.
Among the findings are ‘blurring of boundaries between private and charitable interests’ and that almost £1.5million in payments relating to three books by Sir Tom, was paid to the Ingram-Moores, none of which has been sent on to the foundation despite the family’s assurances otherwise.
There’s been plenty of criticism, mostly deserved, directed at Hannah Ingram-Moore, but this is not just a personal failing – it’s a disaster for all charities trying to raise vitally needed funds in a climate already fraught with challenges.
The charitable sector has been feeling the strain for some time. With inflation running high and the cost of living biting once again, many families are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
Food Banks are reporting empty shelves as they head into the winter months.
Charities are being asked to do more than ever before, even as the funds they rely on seem to be diminishing.
Food Banks are reporting empty shelves as they head into the winter months (Picture: Getty Images)
And now, just when we need public trust in charitable organisations the most, the actions of individuals like Ingram-Moore, who has criticised the report calling it unfair, threaten to undermine that very trust.
Ingram-Moore’s conduct, which includes allegations of misleading the public and failing to deliver on promises made by her father’s fundraising efforts, casts a long shadow over the entire sector.
The damage here doesn’t just impact one businesswoman, it can impact all of society.
Charities rely on the goodwill of the public who trust that their contributions will go to those who need them most.
But every time a scandal like this unfolds, that trust is eroded. And it’s the poorest in our society that suffer.
Donors begin to wonder whether their hard-earned money is being misused.
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Ingram-Moore’s actions have already contributed to a perception of dishonesty and mismanagement – with the charity commission concluding the public were likely to have been misled by her actions.
That perception will make it harder for charities to raise the money they so desperately need in the coming months.
I know this all too well, having been involved …read more
Source:: Metro