BY OUR RECKONING there's just one readable website about charities (you're reading it) and one readable book*.

The latest edition of said book is just out, and it's more quirky, interesting and edifying than ever. It's called The More You Give, The More You Get, and it's by Mike Dickson, ex-boss of children’s charity Whizz-Kidz.

Bursting with anecdotes, the 238-page book advises that not only does giving make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, it also builds a more pleasant society. And if you don’t agree with Mike, he asks that you consult any of the world’s major religions, which all agree with him.

We think this is a pretty sound argument, and Mike backs it up with a pile of suggestions on how to give effectively – plus a convincing case for why companies should give more too.

The depth of knowledge and information is impressive. Mike understands that we want to know exactly how to give, and precisely what good this does. So he reviews useful websites, organizations and groups; he recommends people to get in touch with if you want to make the world a better place; and he explains in detail why giving will make you happier.

"This is a practical book, jam-packed with good ideas and provocative thoughts"

But most striking is the chapter on giving by companies. Mike weaves a convincing case: rather than simply condemning companies for their appalling charity record and then assuming that they should automatically give more, he prefers to dwell on why giving to charity is good for business in a practical sense – and his anecdote-based arguments are convincing.

He also throws in some homespun philosophy. Mike tells us why he thinks meditation is good for you, why we should all go and see An Inconvenient Truth, why he likes the Scandinavian social model and why Americans are more generous than Brits.

This reviewer found such cogitations sometimes irksome and irrelevant. But for the reader willing to skim lightly over such idiosyncrasies, the usefulness – and interest – of the book remains undiminished.

If you’re willing to forego gentle and persuasive preaching, this is a very digestible, practical book, jam-packed with good ideas and provocative thoughts.
 

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• Buy The More You Give, The More You Get.

*Full disclosure: Dave Pitchford, this site's editor, discussed some aspects of the book with Mike Dickson before publication. Intelligent Giving is also listed in the book as a useful resource for those looking to give effectively.

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