Charitable giving in the United States experienced its steepest decline in 2009 since the 1973-75 recession, 3.2% after inflation. It fell 2.4% in 2008.
Americans donated $303.75 billion in 2009, according to Giving USA, down from $315.08 billion in 2008. The other comparable decline was 5.5% in 1974.
Giving to international affairs were hit the hardest, dropping 6.6% last year, followed by giving for public-social benefits, which declined 4.6%. Giving to churches and religious groups saw a drop of only 0.7% to $100.95 billion. Religion accounted for slightly more than 33.23% of all charitable giving in the U.S.
In contrast to this, moviegoers in the United States and Canada spent only $10.7 billion at the theatrical box office in 2009, according to Variety, and $22.78 billion in home video sales and rentals, according to Adams Media Research.
Where the Money Came From in 2009
|
Source |
Amount |
|
Individuals |
75%, $227.41 billion |
|
Foundations |
13%, $ 38.44 billion |
|
Bequests |
8%, $ 23.80 billion |
|
Corporations |
4%, $ 14.10 billion |
Where the Money Went in 2009
|
Destination |
Amount |
|
Religion |
33%, $100.95 billion |
|
Education |
13%, $ 40.01 billion |
|
Gifts to grantmaking foundations |
10%, $ 31.00 billion |
|
Unallocated |
9%, $ 28.59 billion |
|
Human services |
9%, $ 27.08 billion |
|
Health |
7%, $ 22.46 billion |
|
Public-society benefit |
8%, $ 22.77 billion |
|
Arts, culture and humanities |
4%, $ 12.34 billion |
|
International affairs |
3%, $ 8.89 billion |
|
Environment, wildlife |
2%, $ 6.15 billion |
|
Foundation grants to individuals |
1%, $ 3.51 billion |
– Sources: Giving USA 2010 and Chronicle of Philanthropy, 06/17/10.
