Donasjon

Donasjon is the act of giving resources—such as money, goods, or time—to support a person, group, organization, or cause without receiving an equivalent benefit in return. The term is derived from the Latin donatio and has cognates in many languages, including donasjon in several Scandinavian languages.

Common forms include monetary donations to charitable organizations, in-kind donations of goods or equipment, volunteering, and medical donations such as blood, organs, or tissue, as well as newer forms like digital or crowdfunding contributions.

Donations typically involve a decision by the donor, selection of a recipient, and a transfer of value. In many jurisdictions, donations to registered charities are eligible for tax deductions. Recipients may issue receipts and report on the use of funds to ensure accountability. Donor intent and transparency are often emphasized in governance standards for nonprofits.

Legal and ethical considerations include consent, privacy, avoiding coercion, and preventing fraud or misrepresentation. Specific areas such as organ donation are regulated by health authorities and require medical eligibility and informed consent. Privacy protections and opt-in/opt-out systems vary by country.

Impact and challenges: donations can enable social services, research, or emergency relief, but they can also create dependency or misallocation if not properly managed. Evaluation often focuses on outputs (money raised) and outcomes (actual improvements) and increasingly emphasizes impact reporting and beneficiary involvement.