Helping is a basic need state. Even before we are explicitly taught social rules, we seem to want to assist those in need.

Whether it is because of an innate desire or because, as babies, we’ve had loads of opportunities to experience acts of helping by others is not really the point.

What matters is that we have a desire to help. And as we grow older – starting at about the age of three – we are more generous with offering help to children who have previously been nice to us.

Maybe, as fundraisers, we can learn something from that.

You’ll find more on donor need states here.