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U.S. Philanthropy: Trends in Giving and the Impact on Society

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Philanthropy in Transition

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Abstract

This chapter describes developments in charitable giving in the United States over the last forty years, the period for which statistical data is available. This analysis includes changes in the magnitude of giving, the sources of philanthropic dollars, and the causes to which charitable giving is directed. The proportion of giving from individuals, corporations, foundations, and bequests are presented in aggregate form. Breaking down this data further, the demographic and financial characteristics of individual donors are considered. In particular, although individual contributions remain the largest component of total giving, it is shown that private citizens engaged in philanthropy do not give to religious causes to the same degree as in the past. Donations made by corporations have become a promotional tool, and this change represents a reorientation of business giving. Foundation grants have risen in importance, and the data suggests this trend will continue.

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Authors
  1. Mark S. LeClair
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© 2014 Mark S. LeClair

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LeClair, M.S. (2014). U.S. Philanthropy: Trends in Giving and the Impact on Society. In: Philanthropy in Transition. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137394484_2

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