Changes in giving by source, 2006–2007 and 2007–2008,
and 2006–2008 cumulative
(In current dollars)

Total

- 2.0%

4.2% Cumulative change,

2006 to 2008*

6.3%

Individual

- 2.7%

2.4%

5.2%

Bequest

- 2.8%

7.7%

Foundation

3.0%

Corporate - 4.5%

1.9%

2007–20082006–2007

Percentage change from previous year

4.7%

14.6%

18.0%

- 2.6%

* The cumulative change is calculated separately and is not the sum of the changes in the two years. It is not graphed.

Total giving decreased in current-dollar terms for the first time since 1987. The drop is 2 percent and is attributable to economic concerns. The decline in 1987 occurred in a year that followed tax law changes in 1986 that inspired “pre-giving” to maximize the deductibility of gifts prior to limits that took place in 1987. The cumulative change from 2006 to 2008 is 4. 2 percent.

Individual giving in 2008 fell an estimated 2. 7 percent compared with 2007. This is the first decline since 1987. This drop follows growth of 5. 2 percent estimated for 2007. The cumulative change from 2006 to 2008 is 2. 4 percent.

Charitable bequests (which include realized planned gifts) fell an estimated 2. 8 percent in 2008 compared with 2007. The cumulative change from 2006 to 2008 is growth in charitable bequests of 4. 7 percent, which reflects an increase of 7. 7 percent in 2007.

Foundation grantmaking increased an estimated 3.0 percent in 2008 and a confirmed 14.6 percent in 2007. This is the fastest growing source of charitable donations, with a cumulative change of 18.0 percent from 2006 to 2008.

Corporate giving declined an estimated 4. 5 percent in 2008. The cumulative change from 2006 to 2008 is a decline of 2.6 percent, with an estimated increase of 1. 9 percent in 2006 to 2007. Corporate giving rose in 2005 as companies gave exceptional amounts for disaster relief. Corporate giving has gradually been slowing or declining since 2005, but remains above the 2004 amount of $11.36 billion.