The Giving USA report on 2014 charitable giving in the United States announced that Americans gave an estimated $358.38 billion to charity last year. Last month we looked at what sparked the record-setting philanthropic trend. This month we’ll examine who gave and who received.
Who gave in 2014?
Individual giving, at $258.51 billion, increased 5.7 percent in current dollars (and 4.0 percent when inflation-adjusted) over 2013. “Mega gifts” of $200 million or more by young, tech entrepreneurs made a large impact on the increase in individual giving, according to the report.
Foundation giving, at $53.97 billion, was 8.2 percent higher than 2013 (the increase was 6.5 percent when inflation-adjusted). Not only did total giving by foundations grow 8.2 percent in 2014, gifts from all three types—community, independent and operating—also went up.
Bequest giving (giving through wills and estates), at $28.13 billion, increased 15.5 percent (13.6 percent when inflation-adjusted) over the previous year.
Corporate giving, at $17.77 billion, increased 13.7 percent (11.9 percent when inflation-adjusted) over 2013 giving.
Who received the gifts?
Giving USA’s research reports on nine different categories of charities, showing the following results for 2014, in descending order by amount:
- Religion—perennially the largest slice of the giving “pie” at $114.90 billion, increased 2.5 percent in current dollars. However, giving to religion has declined over time, according to the report, reflecting that fewer Americans currently identify with a religion, attend worship services or give to houses of worship.
- Education—giving increased to $54.62 billion, 4.9 percent more in current dollars than the 2013 total. The report stated that giving to education, particularly higher education, continues to be strong. In the giving total are several multi-million dollar gifts, including two of more than $100 million, to support medical research on university campuses.
- Human Services—its $42.10 billion total was 3.6 percent higher, in current dollars, than in 2013. The report notes that giving has increased annually since 2006, when adjusted for inflation, although growth has been modest. “This category which provides essential services to low-income households, youth and communities, continues to be of central importance to Americans when it comes to charitable donation decisions.”
- Foundations—at an estimated $41.62 billion in 2014, giving grew 1.8 percent in current dollars.
- Health—the $30.37 billion 2014 estimate was 5.5 percent higher, in current dollars, than the 2013 estimate.
- Public-Society Benefit—the $26.29 billion estimate for 2014 increased 5.1 percent in current dollars over 2013..
- Arts/Culture/Humanities—at an estimated $17.23 billion, growth in current dollars was 9.2 percent in 2014.
- International Affairs—the $15.10 billion estimate for 2014 decreased 2.0 percent, in current dollars, from 2013.
- Environment/Animals—the $10.50 billion estimate for 2014 was up 7.0 percent in current dollars over 2013 giving.
Giving USA is published by Giving USA Foundation, which was established by The Giving Institute to advance philanthropy through research and education. The report is researched and written by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. More information about the report is available online at http://www.givingusa.org