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Giving USA 2018

The Giving USA 2018 Report is Here!

Giving USA 2018: The Annual Report on Philanthropy©, is the longest running, most comprehensive report on philanthropy in America. Offering a visual perspective, the infographic of this report showcases a stellar year for philanthropy. Giving continues to rise for the eighth consecutive year, reaching its highest levels ever at $410.02 billion in 2017 contributions. This is a 5.2% increase over last year.

Our sixth annual BeneGraphic portrays this growth utilizing a space theme for an additional perspective on the data. Various key points include:

  • GDPs Gravitational Pull.  Giving continues to be 2.1% of the gross domestic product continuing to be a predictive force for yet another year.  
  • Studied Acceleration. Some donors rushed to make charitable contributions prior to the adoption tax reform, resulting in a spike in year-end giving. But a study by Indiana University found that the longer-term impact could reduce charitable giving by as much as $13 billion in future years.
  • Booster Fuel. For the first time since the Great Recession, the percent of households making new gifts to charities increased. First-time gifts declined by 16.1% from 2010 through 2016, then rose 10% in 2017. Gains were fueled largely by natural disasters and/or civic involvement.
  • A Vanishing Trend. “Rage donations” emerged from the hyper-partisan 2016 elections. They’ve been described as a “middle-class citizen’s form of protest—that actually works.” In 2017, this phenomenon resulted in an unknown number of new or increased gifts. When the anger fades, will these gifts vanish?
  • Disaster Giving. American donors responded with generosity to an unusual number disasters that affected North America including hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria; the earthquake in Mexico; and the most destructive wildfire season on record.
  • Still Growing. Donor Advised Funds continue to grow at three times the rate of philanthropy overall. Gifts from DAFs go disproportionately to education, Public-Society Benefit, and Arts, Culture & Humanities.

The infographic provides insights for your organization — and just a bit of entertainment — to serve the common good.

Click here to download your digital copy of the Giving USA 2018 report or request it to be mailed to you free of charge.

Laura MacDonald has earned a national reputation for her dedication to the nonprofit sector. She is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) with decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and philanthropy. In 1999, she established Benefactor Group to serve the needs of those who serve the common good.

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