Why Americans give & will continue to give

In ongoing donor surveys and aggregated donor profiling, the following are identified as the basis for philanthropic behaviors. Percentages overlap as respondents cited several reasons:

·         66.6% to help those less fortunate

·         47.3% personal satisfaction

·         44.1% give back to society

·         7.2% community recognition

·         5.8% maintain family heritage of philanthropy

·         1.4% tax considerations

And, Americans will continue to give for the following reasons:

·         Participate in the use of charitable dollars

·         Control philanthropic assets

·         Manage societal changes

·         Teach children the importance of philanthropy

·         Create community partnerships

·         Witness a return on the gift

As donors follow bold dreams, grand plans and great adventures, the successful solicitation matches the opportunity with the reason for giving.