Giving Statistics
In 2005, giving to charities rose 2.7 percent from 2004 levels, when adjusted
for inflation. After several years of stagnant giving resulting from the
economic downturn that started in 2001, this is the second consecutive year with
a moderate increase. The current trend is a positive sign for those who depend
on the services of America's charities, which is all of us. Few people realize
how large charities have become, how many vital services they provide, and how
much funding flows through them each year. Without charities and non-profits,
America would simply not be able to operate. Their operations are that big.
How big?
- Total giving to charitable organizations increased to $260.3 billion in
2005. This is an increase of 2.7 percent from 2004 (when adjusted for
inflation).
- The majority of that giving came from individuals, $199.1 billion (76.5%).
Giving by individuals grew by 2.9 percent (when adjusted for inflation).
- Of the $15 billion increase in total giving, approximately half ($7.4
billion) was donated to provide relief after one of three major natural
disasters--the tsunami in southern Asia, the Gulf Coast hurricanes, and the
Pakistan earthquake.
- Giving by bequest was $17.4 billion, foundations gave $30 billion, and
corporations donated $13.7 billion.
- Religious organizations received the most support--$93.2 billion. Much of
these contributions can be attributed to people giving to their local place of
worship. The next largest sector was education ($38.6 billion).
- After three years of declining contributions, social services charities
reported a 28% increase in donations. Just over half of the increase (16.7%)
can be attributed to disaster-relief giving.
- All but two categories of charities saw increases in contributions. Giving
to arts and cultural groups declined by 6.6 percent and giving to health
organizations dropped by 0.7 percent.
All data property of
Giving USA 2006, the Annual Report on Philanthropy,
published by the AAFRC Trust for Philanthropy.
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