Charities in the UK

In some African regions, billions have been spent on water projects over decades. Studies estimate up to 40% of rural water points in sub-Saharan Africa are broken at any given time, showing money was spent but infrastructure and maintenance systems weren’t sustained — often due to corruption or poor planning.

After the 2010 earthquake, international charities and governments pledged billions. A 2015 investigation found that the American Red Cross raised half a billion dollars for Haiti but built only six permanent homes.

Charities installed thousands of PlayPumps (merry-go-rounds that pump water when children play). Many broke down quickly, lacked spare parts, and required far more effort than expected. Within a few years, the system was largely abandoned as impractical.

TOMS donated millions of free shoes in African countries. Studies found this undermined local cobblers and shoe sellers, collapsing small businesses that might have otherwise developed.

after Captain Sir Tom Moore raised ~£39 million during the pandemic, it was found that his daughter and son-in-law personally benefited (~£1.5 million) through book deals, fees etc., from the charity. The Charity Commission criticized this and barred them from trustee roles.