From AXIOS
America was the world’s most generous country this past decade, according to the Charities Aid Foundation’s World Giving Index, which surveyed 1.3 million people in 125 countries.
- Not only do we give money, but 72% of Americans help strangers. 42% of us volunteer.
- We grew more generous during the pandemic: 2020 and 2021 donations each topped 2019.
Why it matters: This cuts across religion, region and age, with nearly 60% of Americans giving money last year. Average donation: $574.
A hot trend: There’s a big surge in people setting up Facebook and TikTok fundraisers in lieu of birthday presents. You might roll your eyes at the exhibitionist dimension of public giving … but it beats the alternative.
- Facebook says birthday fundraisers bring in hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Top beneficiaries include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society and No Kid Hungry.
- Try it.
Tip to go: Be careful when giving. These four sites, all recommended by the Federal Trade Commission, let you verify whether a charity is reputable:
I just want to say “Thank you” for the support you’ve always offered when it’s needed.
America is the most generous country on earth, and we can be proud of that.
Let’s stay #1 in giving.
p.s This was written before the terrible F4 tornadoes that devastated Mississippi and claimed 26 lives. If you want to help these communities in Mississippi, click HERE.