In his work, On Moral Obligations, Cicero (106-43 B.C.) cited three caveats for giving. Cicero asserted: first, the gift should not be prejudicial to the recipient or others; second, the gift should not exceed the donor’s means or impoverish his family; and third, it should be in keeping with the merits of the recipient, taking into consideration character, relationship, and attitude to and services to the donor.

Source: Giving, Robert Bremner