Charities play a huge role in the functioning of society. It can be said that without charities, America would not be able to function. Giving back to our communities is ingrained in the American spirit and is one of many reasons that Americans give nearly twice as much to charity as any other country in the world.
To give you an idea about the huge role charities play in America:
In 2011, Americans gave $298.42 billion to charities (about 2% of GDP).
The majority of giving came from individuals – $217.79 billion (about 73%).
Donations from individuals and family foundations accounts for $9 out of every $10 given to charity.
Corporate giving accounted for only 5% of all giving in 2011.
There are 1,563,596 tax exempt organizations in the U.S. (as of June, 2012).
In 2010, public charities reported $1.51 trillion in revenues and $1.45 trillion in expenses.
In 2010, public charities reported $2.71 trillion in assets.
9.2% of all wages and salaries paid in the U.S. are paid by nonprofit organizations.
In 2011, $95.88 billion went to religious organizations. Educational organizations received $38.87 billion. Donations to other charitable organizations break down as follows: 2.7% to health charities, 4% to public benefit charities, 4.1% to arts, culture and humanities charities, 7.6% to international charities, 2.5% to human services charities and 4.6% to environmental and animal charities.
26.3% of all Americans over age 16 volunteered between September 2009 and September 2010.
Arizona has one of the highest percentage of volunteers of all U.S. states.
