`Unlocking kindness': Why anonymous giving is gaining traction in India?

Hyderabad: Charity often comes with public applause. Cheques handed over on stage, names on donation boards, and recognition dinners. But a quieter practice exists alongside these displays: anonymous giving.

Whether it is a neighbour slipping money into a collection box or a wealthy donor choosing to stay unnamed in a large fundraiser, anonymity has long been part of philanthropy. Psychology helps us understand why people choose to give in silence and what impact this has on both donors and society.

Why Do People Give Anonymously?

Altruism Without Recognition

Some donors feel that attaching their name dilutes the meaning of their contribution. By staying anonymous, they signal to themselves that the act was motivated purely by compassion, not social reward.

Dr. Kavita Menon, a clinical psychologist speaking to NewsMeter, explains, “Anonymity can be a way of removing the ego from giving. The donor knows the help has reached someone, and that becomes enough.”

Protecting Privacy and Safety

Others are driven by practical concerns. Large donations can attract repeated requests, social pressure, or even security risks. For smaller donors, too, privacy matters; they may not want friends or family to judge how much they chose to give.

The Emotional Payoff

Internal Satisfaction

Even without public praise, anonymous giving still activates what psychologists call the “helper’s high.” Acts of generosity release feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin, creating a sense of calm and purpose. The difference is that the reward is internal, not external.

Freedom for the Recipient

Recipients may also feel more comfortable when help is anonymous. Without a face attached, there is less sense of obligation or indebtedness. “People often feel awkward knowing who gave them support. An anonymous donor allows gratitude without the burden of repayment,” notes Dr. Menon.

Social Impact of Hidden Generosity

Influencing Others Quietly

Interestingly, anonymity does not mean invisibility. Large, unnamed donations in public campaigns often create a ripple effect. People assume that if someone is willing to give big, the cause must be credible, and they are encouraged to donate too.

Normalising Kindness

On a community level, seeing that “someone” has given, even without knowing who, sets a powerful social cue. Dr. Arvind Raizada, a behavioural psychologist, explains, “Humans are strongly influenced by peer behaviour. Even if the donor is faceless, the act signals that giving is normal, and others follow.”

The Psychological Costs of Secrecy

The Hidden Burden

While anonymity protects privacy, keeping good deeds secret can sometimes feel heavy. Donors may miss out on sharing the joy of their actions with loved ones, and secrecy itself can create mental fatigue. Some psychologists argue that balancing privacy with healthy acknowledgment is important for long-term well-being.

Charity in the Digital Age

With crowdfunding platforms, UPI wallets, and crypto donations, anonymity has become easier than ever. Many platforms now allow people to donate without revealing their names publicly. This aligns with younger donors who value impact over recognition. But it also raises questions: does anonymity reduce transparency, and how do organisations build trust while respecting privacy?

Conclusion

Anonymous giving sits at the crossroads of selflessness, privacy, and social influence. It removes ego from the equation, shields donors from unwanted attention, and allows recipients to feel freer.

At the same time, secrecy can come with its own psychological weight. What remains clear is that silent donors play a crucial role in sustaining causes worldwide, proving that generosity doesn’t always need a nameplate.