Posted on August 14, 2005

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Donations Rode Tsunami Into 2005, Continue at Record Pace

Charitable giving continued at a record pace in the first quarter of 2005, putting to rest, at least for the moment, concerns that donors would fund tsunami relief and assistance at the expense of other causes, Knight-Ridder reports.

While international relief organizations showed the biggest year-over-year increases, other areas of the nonprofit sector also showed growth, according to a study conducted by Target Analysis Group, a nonprofit-management consulting firm in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The findings, based on data from forty-six charities representing different areas of the nonprofit sector, point to a record year for giving, the firm said.

Analysts attributed the surge to an improving economy, the ease and ubiquity of online giving, and Americans' inherent generosity. "People gave to the tsunami above and beyond what they normally give," said Jessica Harrington, vice president for direct response at Schultz & Williams, a fundraising consultant. "They saw it as an additional gift rather than an 'instead-of' gift."

Greve, Frank. “'05 Donations on Record Pace.” Knight Ridder 8/12/05.

Primary Subject: Philanthropy and Voluntarism
Secondary Subject(s): Tsunami Relief

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