Charitable Giving in Illinois

Linda M. Lampkin, Marie Gantz

Despite a growing interest in philanthropy, spurred by a thriving economy, a bull market, and a high-tech industry that spawns new millionaires overnight, little information is available on how much individuals give to charity. According to estimates by the AAFRC Trust for Philanthropy, a total of $134.8 billion was contributed by US residents in 1998. This constitutes 77 percent of the total $175.1 billion given by individuals, foundations, corporations, and bequests. About 44 percent of total giving was to religious organizations, and fifteen percent went to education nonprofits. A quarter of the contributions were divided among health, human services, and the arts, while three percent was given to environmental groups.

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