Giving in 2006 Wasn’t ‘Stuck in Low Gear’

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

To the Editor:

Philanthropy in America is healthy, thriving, and strong. In fact, “Giving USA 2007″ reports that in 2006, giving in the United States increased for the third consecutive year, reaching a record high of $295.02-billion. I believe it unfortunate that The Chronicle chose to characterize this record year of giving as “Stuck in Low Gear” (June 28).

Americans gave at unprecedented levels in 2006. This is especially important in light of the fact that the 2005 estimate included nearly $7.4-billion in response to several natural disasters, including Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma. If the “extraordinary” disaster gifts are excluded, which seems reasonable because of their unique nature, giving last year rose 6.6 percent (3.2 percent adjusted for inflation). This is a remarkable affirmation of the not-for-profit sector and its place in our society.

Did some not-for-profit organizations find it more challenging to raise money in 2006 than 2005?

Of course, for circumstances always vary on an institutional or organizational level. But overall, the majority of our survey respondents reported that gift receipts increased in 2006. And giving has surpassed the record levels seen in the boom times of the late 1990s.

Richard T. Jolly
Chair
Giving USA Foundation
Glenview, Ill.

Mr. Jolly is a vice president of Marts and Lundy, a fund-raising consulting company in Lyndhurst, N.J.