Charitable giving continued its
upward trend in 2015, as an estimated $373 billion was given to charitable
causes. For the second year in a row,
total giving reached record levels, and taking 2014 and 2015 together,
charitable giving has increased by over 10% (using inflation-adjusted dollars).
This increase and the overall size of charitable contributions is further
testament to the integral role charities play in our society, a role which
continues to grow.
But do individual donors recognize
the power of their donations? In 2015, the largest portion of charitable giving
came from individuals and totaled $264.58 billion. Individuals were also responsible for
two-thirds of the overall increase in charitable giving from 2014.
How much do we give?
- Total giving to charitable organizations was $373.25
billion in 2015 (2.1% of GDP). This is an increase of 4.1% in current
dollars and 4% in inflation-adjusted dollars from 2014.
- This is the sixth straight year that giving has increased and the second straight record-setting year, following 2014’s total of $358.38 billion.
- Comparing GDP growth and change in charitable giving over 2010-2015, the average increase in giving to charitable causes (3.6%) is greater than the growth of GDP (2%).
Who is giving?
- As in previous years, the majority of that giving
came from individuals. Specifically, individuals gave $264.58 billion,
accounting for 71% of all giving and representing a 3.8% increase over 2014
(3.7% when adjusted for inflation).
- Giving by bequest was up 2.1% in current dollars (or 1.9%
when adjusted for inflation) to $31.76 billion.
- Foundations gave $58.46 billion which represented an
increase of 6.5% (or 6.3% when adjusted for inflation).
- Corporations donated $18.45 billion for an increase of 3.9%
(or 3.8% when adjusted for inflation).
Where do the donations go?
- International organizations saw the largest increase and
the first increase in three years. Giving to International organizations was up by 17.5%, totaling $15.75 billion.
This may be due to an increase in the number of large international
organizations, or that giving in this area took longer to recover from the
recession.
- The portion of charitable giving going towards Religion
increased for the second year in a row, going up by 2.7% from 2014 to $57.48
billion.
- Giving to Foundations was the only area where donations
decreased, a decrease of 3.8% from 2014, totaling $42.26 billion.
- Contributions to Education organizations continue to
steadily increase, this year by 8.9% to a total of $57.48 billion.
All information property of Giving USA 2016: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2015.
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As a 501 (c) (3) organization itself, Charity Navigator depends on public support to help donors make informed choices. Please consider investing in the future of Charity Navigator by making a donation today. Donate now >>
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