Posted on October 29, 2002

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Independent Sector Report Analyzes U.S. Giving and Volunteering

Independent Sector, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the work of the philanthropic sector, has released a comprehensive study on the philanthropic behavior of Americans indicating nearly 60 percent give because they feel they owe something to the community.

Giving and Volunteering in the United States provides a detailed look at the attitudes and motivating factors of those who donate to charities and volunteer their time and includes precise information on giving and volunteering patterns using the demographics of age, gender, race, household income, education, marital status, and organizational types. Based on a survey of 4,216 adults in the spring and summer of 2001, the study reveals that 69 percent of contributing households give to religious organizations, which also receive more than a quarter of the total volunteer hours, and 43 percent give to health organizations, 39 percent to human services, and 38 percent to youth services.

The survey also affirmed what previous Giving and Volunteering surveys have shown — that household contributions increase as income increases but lower income groups give a higher percentage of their income to charities. Volunteering also rises with income growth, according to the study. One in four people from households with incomes of less than $25,000 volunteered in the past year, compared with more than one in two from households with incomes of $75,000 or more.

"This study provides the who, why, and how of philanthropy by giving a thorough examination of the various aspects of giving and volunteering," said Gordon Green, vice president of research at Independent Sector. "Giving and Volunteering in the United States gives nonprofits the tools to better understand their donors and volunteers."

“Independent Sector Releases Comprehensive Report on Giving and Volunteering in the United States.” Independent Sector Press Release 10/28/02.

Primary Subject: Philanthropy and Voluntarism

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