MALVERN, PA — A new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Vanguard Charitable reveals that individuals who include charitable giving in their budget donate nearly three times more than those who don’t. The findings demonstrate the financial and strategic benefits of budgeting for philanthropy and highlight a growing trend in planned disaster relief donations.
Charitable Giving and Budgeting
The survey, which examined the charitable habits of over 2,000 U.S. adults, found that individuals who budgeted for giving donated an average of $2,344 over the past 12 months. This is significantly higher than the $792 average donated by those without a set budget for giving. These results mark an increase from a 2023 study, where budgeted donors gave $1,583 on average compared to $892 among non-budgeted donors.
Rebecca Moffett, president of Vanguard Charitable, noted the importance of planning in enhancing charitable impact. “Every year, we are excited to see how individuals who prioritize budgeting and set aside dollars for charitable giving are able to make a greater philanthropic impact,” she said.
Focus on Disaster Relief
Among those with a charitable giving budget, 83% supported disaster relief efforts within the past year, compared to 61% of donors without a budget. Budgeted donors also donated more to these causes, averaging $610 compared to $336 from non-budgeted donors. Additionally, more than 60% of disaster relief donors allocated at least half of their total charitable contributions to disaster-focused organizations.
The study indicates a shift in mindset among donors, with many increasingly planning for unpredicted disaster relief needs. By proactively including such donations in their budgets, these donors ensure they can respond effectively when crises arise.
Tools and Resources for Giving
Vanguard Charitable, with over $20 billion granted since its founding more than 25 years ago, continues to innovate with tools designed to empower donors. Key offerings include:
- MyGiving: An interactive tool launched in fall 2023, MyGiving helps donors create personalized charitable plans and goals.
- Discover Charities: Developed in partnership with Charity Navigator, this resource offers lists of highly rated nonprofits tailored to specific disaster needs.
- Grant Payments: This initiative, launched with PayPal, ensures charities can receive funds quickly, often within minutes. Since its inception, over $1 billion has been electronically granted to 13,000 charities, with $61 million directed to disaster relief organizations.
- Why Giving Matters: Vanguard Charitable’s latest research underscores the flexibility and long-term sustainability of donor-advised funds (DAFs) as effective philanthropic tools, particularly during unexpected crises.
Through these innovations, Vanguard Charitable continues to guide donors in maximizing their charitable impact, both in routine giving and during moments of urgent need.
A Growing Trend
The findings point to a heightened level of strategic planning among donors, showcasing the power of budgeting to increase overall contributions and enhance disaster relief efforts. With tools designed to support meaningful and timely giving, organizations like Vanguard Charitable are helping philanthropists plan for impact in an unpredictable world.
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