I think when the intention is to spread the word and ideally attract others to also support the cause, it can be a net positive. That's certainly what I'm trying to do with my recent posts about the cancer fundraiser I've been participating in. I'm hoping people see them and decide to either donate or join the challenge which would have the effect of spreading awareness of the fundraiser.
But for more direct donations, yeah it can definitely be more of an ego thing, like when a donor to a hospital wants them to put his name on the new wing. There is no raising awareness and attracting donations from others in that situation, so there is no real point in plastering their name on the donation; it's pure ego: look at how good I am and think well of me. That said, there is still a positive effect—the hospital now has a new wing to better help patients—so the less than altruistic reasons for the donation can be overlooked, I think.
It leads back to that classical philosophy question, "Is selfless action really possible?" (Psychological egoism). I remember many good discussions on the matter at university. Many still in the Buddhist circles I follow, though it's a bit different there.
Good thoughts on the matter!
Awareness is one thing, shamelessly self-promoting for reasons of ego, hubris and for accolades is completely another. I also think the latter is disguised as the former in many cases.
I suppose it depends on how people do it. If the goal is more self-promotion, or more redirecting towards the cause in question and using that promotion to spread awareness and attract others to the cause. For example, I have no problem when blood drives will use a celebrate for promotion, saying things like this guy has donated every week since he was a kid, you should donate and be like him. That could be considered self-centered on his part to allow that praise, but at the same time if it results in more awareness and more donations, that is a definite net positive in my eyes. Isn't it?
That said, it is a fine line and I don't know if I could draw it well.
Blood donation was mentioned in this comments thread positively already, a worthy cause for sure, especially here where there's not enough blood available.
I think so too. I'd see blood donation, raising money for fighting the top killers (like cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, lou gehrig's disease, etc), and helping the poor would all be among worthy causes. Things that help people and help society, mainly. But that's me. I'm sure your list might vary. That said, I don't know if it's a cut or dry issue and is more case by case.
Case by case for me...I don't have a lot of faith in 'charities' as it seems so many of them do inappropriate things with the funds the
extortcollect from others.