Americans' Charitable Giving: $300 billion in 2008

By Daniel Hamon

In the midst of a recession, Americans donated an estimated $307 billion for charitable causes in 2008, marking the second year in a row in which Americans have given more than $300 billion. A report from the Giving USA Foundation tracks giving by types of donors and recipients and shows that charitable giving by individuals continues to be the largest component of all donations, reaching $229 billion or 75% of the total. Religious and educational institutions received $146 billion or 48% of the total.

This is the breakdown of charitable donations:

• Individuals gave $229 billion -- 75% of total giving
• Charitable bequests were $22 billion -- 7% of total giving
• Corporate giving was $14 billion -- 5% of total giving
• Foundation grants were $41 billion -- 13% of total giving

After religious and education institutions, foundations received $32 billion, health organizations $21 billion, public-society benefit organizations $23 billion and Arts/Culture/Humanities organizations got $12 billion. Organizations involved in international assistance, including disaster relief and direct aid, received $13 billion in contributions.

Photo - Giving USA Foundation

Comments

[Ligia]

It is marvelous that in this time of recession, Americans donated billions and billions for charitable causes.

[Dana]

Dan - thanks for sharing - that's a huge number!