It can be both.

I share often when I donate or am raising funds, but usually that's because I'm looking to raise additional funds, spread awareness, or learn about causes others care about that I may be unfamiliar with.

And I would be an absolute liar if I said I didn't enjoy the tax deduction as well.  I'd give a heck of a lot more money away if the government would let me keep a little more of what I earn!

Not sure it's a binary question.  What about option 3, the hope that by telling others they'll be inspired to take their own actions to help others?

OR, if you told people you did it and really DIDN'T?! 

If it's done for a tax deduction OR notoriety, it's NOT altruism!

My girl . . .the virtue signaling is CRINGE for me! I am one who wholeheartedly believes what Jesus said (when doing a miracle) 'GO AND TELL NO ONE'

Do the good work, yes write it off and be happy you could help! PERIOD

I support any number of charities and also take a tax deduction when I can. I support other efforts that have no tax deduction. All I know is that my heart is in the right place.

Little bit of both & depends upon the packaging.  I love Liz and Bill Spear 's addition to the options! 

If you have to tell then it's a tax deduction or a big pat on the back by your own hand!

I have fought for years with my account about my charitable giving since I don't get a receipt for them and they aren't to organizations where their employees keep most of the donations, haha.  True charity doesn't receive tax benefits, but the ultimate reward is much greater.

Depends on the individual's state of mind. some give to give and some give to be noticed. Either way, it is a tax deduction.

Am I missing something? Altruism, as I understand it, equals selflessness. I am lost. 

It depends. It could be both.  I tend to be a rather private person. My donations are all private between my checking account (maybe that is not so private given where this nation is going), my tax returns, and my CPA. 

What bothers me to the core of my soul, are the people that are out making videos of how great and wonderful they are helping the homeless.  They wake them up from sleeping on the street, ask them what they want or need, then bring back some fast food in a bag, maybe a hat and a sweatshirt from Target, and proceed to show the world on social media how wonderful they are.  

To each their own. The same thing could be done without the video - if the goal is to help and feed, then do it with dignity without a video and posting on social media.  

Being one's, true self is selfless by its nature. Who you really are requires little or no effort is another way to put it. Referred commonly as being in your center, from there, all things flow, come & go. 

Not one to judge anyone who gives to a good cause for whatever reason. When donating or supporting one or a few, I can remain silent and be a stand alone and could care less whether anyone else is doing the same.

Either, or, it's still a wonderful gesture to give when you can.

It's just like selling a house.  If you sell a house, then you post it on facebook or send out a "Just sold" postcard, that doesn't mean you weren't happy to help that family.  It means you were happy to help the family, but you also want people to know what you did because that will presumably allow you to help more people.

If you host a client appreciate party and deduct the expenses, does that mean you don't really appreciate your clients?

Same with donations.  It you take a tax deduction for it, that doesn't make it any less altruistic or less sincere.  If you get publicity for it, it doesn't mean you care less.  Maybe you even care more - you care enough to put your name (and reputation) behind it.

Why works for you and your conscious.

Some seem to use it as marketing.

depends on why I tell them.

There is nothing in the definition of altruism that says that you cannot, or should not, tell anyone that you did something nice for the well-being of others.  Telling others does not, in and of itself, negate an act of kindness.

Jewish tradition tells us:

Cathy Criado,

I do it,  but I do not need to tell people I did it. I do it, but not for the tax deduction.

My guess is Altruism

For me it depends.  Because if I'm encouraging others for a specific cause by sharing that I believe in said cause I don't think it discounts my intent of giving.