National Philanthropic Trust Comments On 2012 Giving USA Report "Americans Support What Is Important To Them"

JENKINTOWN, Pa., June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- National Philanthropic Trust (NPT), one of the top 25 grant making institutions in the US, has identified positive news for charities and donors. The country's preeminent report on charitable contributions, Giving USA: Annual Report on Philanthropy was released this morning in Philadelphia and yesterday in New York City. 

"Charitable giving continues to be a priority for the majority of American households as evidenced here in Giving USA's report," said Eileen Heisman, CEO of National Philanthropic Trust.  "People were giving even during the lowest points of the recession, but as we make an economic rebound, donors feel more comfortable gifting their dollars—especially when they support a cause or organization that's important to them."

Giving USA's 2012 report detailed that giving by individuals rose an estimated 3.9 percent in 2011 to $217.79 billion in contributions; foundations increased 1.8 percent to $41.67 billion; bequests rose 12.2 percent to $24.41 billion; and corporate donations held steady at $14.55 billion.  The study also noted a marked increase in giving to donor-advised funds (DAFs).  This mirrors the findings of NPT's annual Donor-Advised Fund Report, which specifically reviews the DAF marketplace.

"The entry point for DAFs is becoming more and more accessible for donors. Flexibility and ease of giving are two key features of DAFs, which is very attractive to people who are philanthropically inclined," said Heisman.

In regards to how this year's Giving USA report impacts fundraising and nonprofit organizations, Heisman said, "Donors and nonprofits in the Philadelphia area—and around the country—are giving to the causes that are important to them. Donors are very engaged in their philanthropy and show no signs of slowing down. Charities will continue to have to work hard to make their case for support."   

About National Philanthropic Trust

NPT was founded in 1996. Since that time, it has raised over $2.8 billion in charitable contributions and currently manages over $1 billion in charitable assets.  NPT has made nearly 60,000 grants totaling $1.5 billion to charities all over the world and ranks among the 25 largest grant-making institutions in the United States.  NPT publishes the DAF Report, which is a unique, annual compilation and analysis of charitable organizations that sponsor donor-advised funds.  www.NPTrust.org.    

SOURCE National Philanthropic Trust