USA have a long tradition of philanthropy, and fortunately there are good informative statistics about it, with a significant delay though due to the complexity of gathering this type of information.
Giving USA 2009 report gives an estimate of philanthropy in USA for 2008. For that year philanthropy in USA amounted a total of US$307.65 billions, which represents 2.2% of the USA GDP, but is a 2% decrease compared to Year 2007. It breaks down as follows (in US$billions)
– Individual giving: $106.89 (75%)
– Charitable bequests: $22.66 (7%)
– Corporate philanthropy: $14.5 (5%)
– Foundation grantmaking: $41.21 (13%).
The main sectors which get philanthropic support are:
– Religion (35%)
– Education (13%)
– Foundations (11%)
– Health (7%)
– Public/society benefits (8%)
– Arts/Culture/Humanities (4%)
– International affairs, which includes relief, direct aid, etc… (4%)
– Environment/Animals: (2%)
