As a country, we are the most charitable in the world. And charitable giving is expected to continue to rise as the broader economy expands.
Even during the most challenging times in the world, American philanthropy has proven to be resilient. As a matter of fact, overall giving and average donation amounts have increased. This proves that generosity is thriving and helping people cultivate purpose.
Lately, monetary direct donations are shifting from the middle class to the wealthy, from income to assets, and from boomers to millennials. Surprisingly, wealthy, asset-holding millennials are where philanthropy is increasing the fastest; however, regardless of our age or background, we can all do our small part to create big change!
Philanthropy is not just a hobby for rich tycoons at the end of their careers. Private giving is a massive phenomenon that provides great joy in life. It is one of the most effective ways to solve some of the most pressing issues in the U.S. It’s a huge, multifaceted enterprise bubbling with fresh ideas, risk-taking, social invention, and lots of human kindness. It’s also one of the most distinctive elements of American culture and society—a practice that sets us apart from other nations. As a country, we are much stronger, more dynamic, warmer, united, and cheery because of the extraordinary giving and volunteering that millions of Americans offer to their fellow citizens every year.
UNCHARITABLE is a timely and crucial documentary that uncovers the realities of philanthropy and introduces a radical new way of giving. In an emotional call to action, this powerful film demands that charities be freed from traditional constraints so that they can truly change the world.
The Everyday Philanthropist demystifies giving, charity, impact, overhead ratios and philanthropy for generous people of all ages and abilities. It’s breakthrough thinking. It’s a concise and counterintuitive guide for everyone—from wealthy benefactors to high school activists, and to families that want their lives to matter. It's written by Dan Pallotta, the world’s leading advocate for reversing the giving indoctrination we’ve all been given.
The Almanac of American Philanthropy was created to serve as the definitive reference on America's distinctive philanthropy. Upon its publication it immediately became the authoritative, yet highly readable, 1,342-page bible of private giving. It chronicles the greatest donors in history, the most influential achievements, the essential statistics, useful quotations, and summaries of vital ideas about charitable action. Now there's a new 2017 Compact Edition of the almanac. It offers highlights of the crucial information and fascinating arguments contained in the full-length version, in a condensed format. All updated to the present moment!
These are some of our favorite philanthropic projects. It’s efforts like these that inspire us to push ourselves harder every day.
At CEK we are passionate about life changing efforts to improve the lives of others. We invest our time and resources to realize positive outcomes, but there is only so much we can do. That’s why we welcome and foster collaboration. We want to be a source of education, inspiration, and a beacon to likeminded organizations and individuals who want to have global impact, regardless of the size of their contribution.
Source for all: The Almanac of American Philanthropy by Karl Zinsmeister
