January 2012 Saw Rise in Charitable Giving, Atlas of Giving Finds

“When stock values are high, individuals can make gifts of stock and avoid capital gains tax; grant making foundation portfolios increase making more grant money available, and estate gift values are enhanced. Low inflation increases giving because individual and corporate donors have more income available. The unseasonably warm weather across the U.S. in January translated into more gifts because less money was being spent by individuals and corporations on snow removal, heating bills, and transportation costs. High unemployment is directly related to charitable giving by individuals, especially small gift donors and participants in special fundraising events. People who are unemployed or fear becoming unemployed suspend their giving activity. After finding work, it takes as many as 24 months before giving activity resumes because people are catching up on delayed maintenance, replacement of household goods, and paying off accumulated debt. Since individual contributors account for 75 percent of all giving, any positive movement in employment numbers translates favorably for donations,” Mitchell, explained.