Then Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University released a study Tuesday in which they have analyzed the factors which motivate people to be charitable.The study covered 8,000 households. The families were visited every two years in 2000, 2002 and 2004, in order to map their behavior pattern regarding charity.The study found that about 67 to 69% of the households contributed to charity. The latest figures available, which are for 2004, indicate that about 68% of the donors gave $ 25 or more. The average total amount given was $2,o45. But all people are not charitable consistently with nearly 29% donating in some years and not donating in others. However 56% of the households studied were regular donors and donated in each of the three years studied. Only about 15% did not donate in any of the three years, data for which was gathered. It was also seen that that the average donor did not give to only one charity but to two or three different charities. 45% of the donors gave to religious organizations and 60% to secular ones and 37% gave to both types.
The study also covered some of the richest households, having a net worth of over a million dollars and discovered distinct behavior patterns among donors divided into 12 categories.
They found that those who inherited wealth gave the most to arts and cultural organizations. These people wish to set an example for others to follow. Since they tend to build long term associations with the institution to which they donate, they often include their children or other family members in their decisions.
The wealthiest people donate the most and to every type of charity.They desire to leave behind a legacy, and they also also keep track of whether their largess is having the desired results or not.
Entrepreneurs donate the most to educational and international organizations.They follow the use of their gifts closely. They donate because it makes good business sense and is also expected in their social circle.
Many donors do not fall into any category. They donate because of some event, usually tragic, which has a decisive influence on their lives. Losing a loved one is the usual reason. They often develop a missionary zeal in promoting the objects of the charity to which they have donated. The less wealthy are more likely to donate because of their religious beliefs as compared to the richer households. As people become richer they are finding more innovative ways to donate instead of following the beaten path.
The study aimed at finding out the reasons for changes in the desire to donate.This will allow the recipients of charity to shape their policies so as to attract the maximum number of donations. It would also enable philanthropists to take informed decisions regarding the charities they wished to support.