Many Donors Giving Smaller Charitable Contributions to Fewer Organizations
The Harris Poll examined the behaviors and attitudes of people who give money or time to charitable organizations or advocate for them, and how their behavior has changed as a result of the economy. Almost half (45%) of these people report that their giving and their volunteering have not changed, but many people are giving to fewer organizations (24%) or giving smaller amounts (31%). In addition, 6% are not making any donations and 7% are volunteering less. [Excerpted from Harris report]
Other Major Survey Findings:
- People who give to health care organizations are somewhat more likely to give smaller amounts and to fewer organizations.
- 60% of people who give time or money to charity prefer (if given a choice) to give gifts to organizations that specify exactly how donations are used; 25% prefer unrestricted gifts.
- 31% of adults who are involved with charities think it is extremely or very important for nonprofit and charitable organizations to use social media to communicate with their supporters, though only 6% of these people keep up with charities through social media.
- Many of the people who are currently using social media to learn about charitable organizations have taken action as a result: 54% have talked to a friend or family member, 41% have made a contribution, 34% have contributed to a cause the organization supports, 31% have volunteered and 30% have attended a sponsored event.
According to Harris Interactive, “It is no surprise that so many people feel the need to cut back on their giving to charities (due to the economic downturn), but it is worth noting that almost half of those who give time or money have not cut back.”