Offering incentives for charitable acts may change the reasoning behind why a person is doing something, but if it increases contributions to charity organizations, it is still morally correct. If someone is helping the greater good, their reason is not always significant. Therefore, incentives like tax deductions, grades, and publicity should be acceptable.

Some individuals may argue that rewarding people for helping or donating to charities undermines the point of charity. However, that is not completely true because to most individuals the point of charities is to help others—not to say being selfless is not a part of that, but it is not the point. If a reward pushes others to support a good cause, there is nothing morally wrong with that. Arguably, donating to charity is a reward in itself because it often makes individuals feel content—they positively impact another person's life. For example, when someone is donating to an organization that directly helps cancer patients, they could be doing it selflessly, but they will likely still feel good about themselves afterward for helping to save lives. That feeling is still a type of reward. If an individual is helping another, it should not be undermined just because they will be rewarded.

Examples of the increase in donations due to incentives vary, but one noteworthy example is tax deductions. Many individuals struggle with financial issues, so they feel like they can not afford to donate to any charities or organizations. Tax deductions can aid those individuals who do not have much money to spare for donations or just anyone worried about or being hurt by certain tax policies. It has been proven that tax deduction policies not only improve the potential amount of donations but the number of households and regions that could be able to donate to charities. This dramatic increase could have a drastic effect on people’s lives and support numerous good causes. Not all individuals who choose not to donate want to ignore charities, some just do not see enough reason or have enough money to support themselves and other charities. 

Another form of incentive that should be continued is in schools. Specifically elementary schools. In schools, when clubs or just the school in general hosts a charity drive students, especially young students may not realize how much each donation matters to those organizations. Students are still learning who they are, what they want to do, and how they want to be. Providing incentives such as grades or candy might be the reason why they donate that specific time, but it reinforces the idea that donating benefits everyone and encourages that behavior, potentially influencing them to help charities and donate more in the future. Students learn their behaviors in school, and reward and punishment are a big part of that. For example, if a 6th grader will get 5 extra credit points for bringing in 5 cans of soup, they will help others and feel good about themselves for donating, potentially wanting to donate again in the future regardless of another reward. Incentives can reinforce the idea that donating to charities positively impacts lives, and it can teach students that donations make them feel good about themselves, and want to again in the future. 

Publicity may be a reward, but it can also positively affect the person who is donating and the charity that is receiving the donation. When a person is on the news or any other popular television program for contributing money to a charity, it could inspire several others to donate as well. The reasoning behind donations may differ, some may hope to receive recognition, while others may see the charity and decide they want to contribute and positively impact others. Regardless of the reasons why people are donating publicity brings awareness to charities. Some individuals may not have even known that the organizations existed, and now they could donate, and potentially spread the word. Despite the idea that rewards like fame take away the good behind an action, the charities are still benefiting: because they are gaining recognition and earning new donors. The most vital component of charities is the people that are being helped, not the reason why people are donating to them.

When an individual donates to a charity—positively impacting other lives, they are being morally correct even if they are being rewarded. Incentives do take away a charitable act incentive like tax deductions, grades, and publicity should be acceptable because they can positively affect the charity and the person donating.