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.
