Important information about trends in individual and family philanthropy is revealed by two recent studies. These findings help us understand the nature of philanthropy in the U.S. They are pertinent to philanthropists and nonprofit organizations alike. Some of those findings include:
• In 2015, 91 percent of high-net-worth households donated to charity — compared with 59 percent of the general population.
• Fifty percent of wealthy individuals volunteered their time for charitable organizations — compared with 25 percent of the general population.
• Of the nation’s more than 42,000 family foundations, nearly 70 percent have been created since 1990. More than 60 percent of these newer family foundations expect to receive additional assets in the next four years.
