Americans in 2015 set a new record for philanthropy, giving charitable groups $373 billion, or about $2,974 per household, according to a new report provided to Secrets.
The National Philanthropic Trust, the nation’s largest independent donor-advised fund administrator, said that the 2015 figure broke 2014’s record by 4 percent and is the second time to bust the previous peak of $355 billion in 2007.
“The four percent increase in giving reinforces the American spirit of philanthropy is alive and thriving,” said Eileen Heisman, CEO of National Philanthropic Trust, celebrating 20 years of grant making in 2016.
“I am heartened by the trends I see happening in philanthropy, like millennials’ commitment to the intersection of innovation and social good,” she added.
The 61st Annual Report showed that most donations came from individuals giving to charities like their churches, education facilities and groups like the Humane Society of the United States.
From their new Giving USA 2016 report:
– Giving by living individuals rose an estimated 3.8 percent in 2015 to $264.58 billion in contributions, accounting for 72 percent of total donations.
– Giving by foundations increased 6.5 percent to $58.46 billion.
– Charitable bequest giving increased slowly at 2.1 percent to $31.76 billion.
– Corporate giving grew slowly at 3.9 percent to $18.45 billion.
Here’s where much of the money went, said the report:
– Religion – increased 2.7 percent to $119.30 billion.
– Education – increased 8.9 percent to $57.48 billion.
– Human Services – increased 4.2 percent to $45.21 billion.
– Health – increased 1.3 percent to $29.81 billion.
– Public Society Benefit – increased 6.0 percent to $26.95 billion.
– Arts/Culture/Humanities – increased 7.0 percent to $17.07 billion.
– International Affairs – increased 17.5 percent to $15.75 billion (largest growth).
– Environment/Animals – increased 6.2 percent to $10.68 billion.
“As the philanthropy sector continues to grow in the U.S., the country’s 1.5 million charities must communicate a clear message about impact to successfully make a case for support, especially with Millennials,” said Heisman.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
