At the beginning of the 20th century, charity work encompassed a number of social groups in need of assistance—victims of wars, the unemployed, the sick, homeless children, the low-income population, people with disabilities, poor students, national minorities, and so on. To this end, various charitable societies, aid committees, and boards of trustees were established. Charitable societies and committees operated under municipal authorities, parish communities, and public organizations such as noble assemblies.
Within charitable institutions, people’s teahouses, inexpensive canteens, snack bars, small stalls, shops, shelters, night refuges, reading libraries, schools, clubs, legal and intermediary offices, medical stations, and production workshops were opened. There, food and manufactured goods were sold at reduced prices, medical services and legal advice were provided, and instruction in literacy and crafts was offered.
Charitable activities were financed through government subsidies, contributions from public organizations and private individuals, as well as allocations from profits obtained through various forms of the charitable institutions’ economic activity.
At the same time, a certain share of financial inflows to the charity fund was generated through the sale of charity stamps. Charity stamps served as a kind of receipt confirming a gratuitous monetary contribution to the charity fund.
Charity stamps were issued in “kopeck” denominations, which made them easy to purchase, while large print runs and widespread distribution ensured steady and sufficiently substantial revenues. The stamps were colorfully designed, carried a certain advocacy message, and had a clear targeted purpose, enabling donors to contribute money to the category of people in need that they preferred.