“Greedy” Americans Donate $48B This Holiday Season

Submitted by Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger

Following the worst economy in a generation, Americans this year are poised to hand away $48 billion to the needy. In what must have pure capitalists scratching their heads, charitable donations are up more than 30% over last year. In fact, 74% of Americans are participating in the benevolence according to Convio Inc.’s annual year-end giving report.

“Digital technologies — such as email, online and social media — continue to play a key role in the evolution of fundraising and constituent interaction for nonprofits,” said Gene Austin, CEO of Convio. “Today’s donor is engaging with nonprofits through more channels than ever before.”

The average donation is $281.oo, with more affluent Americans chipping in almost $1000.00. Most donors give to multiple charities.

Kind of kills the stereotype of the harried American capitalist scurrying about with only himself on his mind. “Greed is good,” said Gordon Gecko in the movie, Wall Street. Charity is better, says me.

Source: Austin Business Journal

~Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger