2015 US Charitable Giving Sets New Record $477.55 Billion

Dallas, TX, February 8, 2016 (Newswire.com) - A new report from the Atlas of Giving announced a 4.6% increase in total US charitable giving for 2015 to a record $477.55 Billion in 2015.  According to the report, the growth in giving was fueled by early year gains in stocks, low gas prices, low interest rates, minimal inflation, improving employment, a growing number of nonprofit organizations, and improving fundraising technology.

“Even though giving growth slowed from last year, it still increased at a significant rate” Rob Mitchell, CEO of the Atlas of Giving said.  

According to Rob Mitchell, CEO of Atlas of Giving "we are in the golden age of giving. Mellenials are more charitable than their parents, new technologies are making giving more effective and efficient and the number of new, nimble, and accountable charities are expanding at an alarming rate."

Rob Mitchell, CEO, Atlas of Giving

According to the Atlas of Giving, economic factors, demographic factors, and events have more to do with giving outcomes than nonprofit size, talent, fundraising plans, or solicitation.

Charitable giving has grown 51% since the depth of the recession in 2009.

According to the Atlas charitable giving has increased to 3.5% of real GDP.

Political giving competed for charitable gifts from both individuals and corporations and diminished possible giving expansion in 2015.

2015 giving exceded early year expectations primarily due to improvement in employment.

The environmental sector experienced the best result with an 8.9% growth.

2015 giving to churches was up only 2.4%

The best state for giving growth was Texas at 6.6%

The worst state for giving growth was Alaska at 2.3%

A big surprise to most professionals is that May, June, and July giving exceeded year-end giving in October, November, and December.

Falling stock markets and rising interest rates created donor uncertainty at year-end.

Smaller, more nimble organizations are capturing market share from larger, older legacy brand name charities.

The initial 2016 forecast for giving growth is that giving will continue to grow but more slowly at a 2.6% rate. (The Atlas of Giving updates its forecast each month).

The full Atlas of Giving annual report at www.atlasofgiving.com at no cost.

In a recent interview, Professor Emeritus Paul Schervish at Boston College’s Center for Wealth and Philanthropy stated that he believes the Atlas of Giving is the most accurate estimate of giving and provides the only monthly updated forecast by sector, source, and state.

Media Note

To schedule an interview with Rob Mitchell, Atlas of Giving CEO, call 877-414-0078 or email Rob at [email protected]