Donations Plummet in China in Wake of Charity Scandals

A series of controversies involving Chinese charities has sent giving in the country on a downward spiral, Reuters writes, citing reports in China’s media.

Donations to the country’s nonprofit groups and foundations totaled $132-million from June to August this year, down some 86 percent from the previous three months, according to figures from the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs.

An executive with the Red Cross Society of China said that “people have become suspicious” of charities following the flap that erupted earlier this year when a young woman falsely claiming to be a Red Cross manager posted photos of herself online with a luxury car and consumer goods.

A Chinese government audit of the Red Cross over suspected misspending also attracted widespread attention online and in the media.