When Men Help Others

Abstract

Abstract Americans gave over $129 billion to charitable causes in 1995. Roughly 8 of every 10 of these dollars were given by private individuals, not foundations, corporations, or other organizations. Almost 7 in 10 American households (69%) gave some amount of money to charities or other philanthropic causes in 1995. Religious organizations were the primary recipient of Americans’ generosity, with health causes, human services, programs for youth, and education receiving the next largest amounts, respectively (Independent Sector, 1996: 1-4) The average contributing American household gave $1,017 to various causes in 1995, or a little over 2% of household income. These amounts are impressive, but they are also an understatement because they do not include gifts to friends or relatives. Nor do they include gifts in kind. Over half of Americans (56%) gave money to relatives or friends in 1995. The total average amount given to such individuals exceeded the amount given to charities by over $500 ($1,527 in 1995; Independent Sector, 1996: Table 4.9). That such a large percentage of Americans makes annual donations suggests clearly that we are a generous people with our money. Much less clear, however, is why we give so much.