An honest, inclusive approach is crucial in reaching gay donors.

By Paul Barbagallo

A study released this year by market-research firms Witeck Combs Communications and MarketResearch.com indicated that the disposable personal income for the country’s 15 million gay and bisexual people totals $485 billion. A significant percentage of self-identified gays and lesbians possess this spending power because they have few of the financial burdens associated with raising a traditional family. Most fall under the “DINKS” classification — Double Income, No Kids. Therefore, they enjoy the economic independence to travel, donate to charity and pursue an affluent, urban lifestyle.