How much do we really give?

Question

Does anyone know what percent of americans give to some organization or charity each year or what percent of the annual income they give? Do you think we give as much as we should?? I am making a video about taking care of people in need instead of ignoring them.

Answer 1

If you search on the government websites, you'll be able to find statistics on the percentages that you're looking for.  It seems the more money you make, the less you give.  Even though you hear of people donating a million dollars at a time, the percentage of what they give, compared to what they earn is not as much as the average Joe in the US.

It's a sad fact that the rich tend to keep their money, rather than give it away to help mankind, especially when they have the means to do so.  Too bad they don't understand that a cheerful giver with reap the benefits 10 fold from anything they are willing to give willingly.

My opinion is that we don't give enough, if we did, we could wipe out hunger and illiteracy forever.

Answer 2

I really dont know about Americans but we,Indians do give as much as we can to help others.

In Islam,we are supposed to give charity and help the poor and needy not only outsiders but even deserving relatives so that no one should be without food and starve,equality is the most important point in Islam.

we give to orphanages,needy people,old age homes and any deserving person who is not begging but needs help.

Even the Hindu religion preaches charity and u can see everyone visiting the temples feeding the poor or giving alms.

Re: how much you give depends on the individual.It is supposed to be a certain % of your income and savings.One should give whatever he can .

Answer 3

Here are a few links that offer statistics on charitable giving in the U.S.  The short answer is, total donations were about $250 billion dollars in 2004.  That works out to approximately $1000 apiece, or approximately 2% of the average income for the US.  

I also just read a great article that addressed not only how much people give, but where they give and how it conflicts with their stated intentions on where they want to give.  It's linked below as well.

Answer 4

Not enough.  Americans for the most part are spoiled and unwilling to help people get out of poverty by providing a decent training and decent job for those who really want to better themselves but just do not have any opportunity and then they complain about their poverty and being lazy while they have more then enough money to go to college, buy books, clothes, and are born into a family where they know lots of people that can help them get good jobs.  

and that is exactly what needs to be done to get people out of poverty for good.  Giving food in stuff is only temperary help and will not keep people off of welfare.  Minimum wage will not keep someone off of welfare either.  Also, what about the folks that are making too much for health insurance but not enough to pay for it.  Can anybody say "UNFAIR"!

I am in no way saying all Americans are like this but many are and it is very sad that they beat the less fortunante into the ground.  I hate them!