Golden Age of Philanthropy

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Golden Age of Philanthropy

philanthropy in America.jpg The Foundation Center, stating that the United States is experiencing a new “golden age of philanthropy,” reported an increase of 11.7% in giving by the nation’s 71,000 foundations, to $40.7 billion in 2006.

This is the second year of double digit percentage gains, with 2005 reporting a 14.3% increase. The last time America witnessed similar growth in giving was the period of 1996 to 2001. 2007 expects similar growth.

Key Facts:

Independent and family foundations account for nine out of ten foundations, with these foundations outpacing corporate foundation increases 10.3% v. 6%.
Community foundations showed the fastest growth at 13.2%
Nearly 60% of foundations expect that their giving will increase in 2007.

"The foundation community is both larger and more diverse than was true in the past,” said Sarah Englehart, president of the Foundation Center. “Neither stock market performance, a single wealthy donor, nor one type of foundation alone drive current trends.”

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Poll - Green Investing

What cause will you donate to mostly this year?

	Education (like an Alma Mater)
	Political (like a political race)
	Social (like homeless housing)
	Health (like AIDs research)
	The Arts (like theatre)
	Other

Groups That Rate Charities

American Institute of Philanthropy publishes a “top-rated” link to many charities that have supplied documentation that at least 75% of their donations are used for charitable endeavors.

Charity Guide rates charities in terms of how many dollars it costs to raise $100. That is, what percentage of each dollar that makes it way to charity.

Charity Navigator rates 3,000 charities on a number of factors.

Give.org includes input from the Better Business Bureau Alliance.