A few weeks ago, we noted that, as reported in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Blackbaud Institute released its 2020 Charitable Giving Report which estimates that overall giving rose 2 percent during 2020. We are pleased to note that yesterday, The NonProfit Times announced more good news. Their article states that the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUS - Indiana University reports that charitable giving is projected to increase 4.1 percent in 2021 and 5.7 percent in 2022. In addition, the Lilly Family School estimates that giving by individuals will increase by 6 percent in 2021 and 3.9 percent in 2022. As explained, this predicted growth rate for individual giving is impacted by “…growth in the [Standard & Poor’s 500 Index], especially giving by those with median and higher levels of income.”

Keep in mind, while all of the above statistics sound promising for philanthropy, these are estimates that have margins of error. Nevertheless, this is welcome news for both donors and charities as most soliciting organizations were apprehensive about this year in view of the challenges that COVID-19 presented for their fundraising plans.  The Give.org Donor Trust Report released in November 2020 indicated that “many charities (49.4 percent) anticipate[d] that their 2020 revenue would decrease as compared to 2019.”

Anecdotal evidence of a better than anticipated fundraising result was reported in another NonProfit Times article that discussed Salvation Army’s 2020 development efforts. It stated that Salvation Army raised $557.3 million during the 2020 holiday season which was a 27 percent increase over what was raised in 2019. While this success at a large national charity is positive, it will be helpful to know how smaller charities fared with their 2020 giving results especially since previous reports indicated some were facing financial trouble and potential shutdowns.

Video of the Week

As part of our Building Trust Video Series, we are pleased to provide a video featuring Rev. Steven E. Boes, President & National Executive Director, Boys Town (a BBB Accredited Charity) which seeks “to change the way America cares for children, families and communities by providing and promoting an Integrated Continuum of Care® that instills Boys Town values to strengthen body, mind and spirit.” Boys Town programs range from preventative services in the home to restrictive out-of-home placements for children with severe behavioral and mental health disorders. In between this range are school educational programs, in-home family counseling services, traditional and treatment foster care, short- and long-term family style residential programs and specialized group homes. 

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• BrightFocus Foundation
• International Animal Rescue, US
• National Osteoporosis Foundation

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO
BBB Wise Giving Alliance