November 2006 Archive

Giving and Volunteering in the United States 2001 (November 28, 2006)

While this signature series from the Independence Sector is five years old, new directors and program staff of community based literacy organizations might not be aware of it. Giving and Volunteering in the United States in 2001 provides an overview of how philanthropic giving has changed in the 21st century. While Independent Sector members received fuller reports, one can still glean valuable information on the following six topics:

1. Faith and Philanthropy: The Connection Between Charitable Behavior and Giving to Religion, in partnership with the National Council of Churches--a look at how donors to religion are the most generous givers to secular causes as well.
2. Engaging Youth in Lifelong Service: Findings and Recommendations for Encouraging a Tradition of Voluntary Action Among America's Youth, in partnership with Youth Service America--impact of childhood experiences on adult giving and volunteering, and tips for engaging more youth in service.
3. Giving in Tough Times: The Impact of Personal Economic Concerns on Giving and Volunteering, an examination of Americans' views on future household finances and their connection to giving decisions.
4. Deducting Generosity: The Effect of Charitable Tax Incentives on Giving--a look at how tax policy motivates giving at different income levels.
5. Experience at Work: Volunteering and Giving Among Americans 50 and Over, in partnership with AARP--findings and strategies for involving Americans 50 years of age and over in charitable activities.
6. A Nation of Givers: Regional Patterns in Giving and Volunteering--an exploration of the generosity of different regions of the United States.

The Independent Sector also provides the 2005 statistics on the dollar value of volunteer time.