What does this measure?

Contributions to charitable organizations, measured as a percentage of income.

Why is this important?

Charitable giving supports a wide variety of organizations, including those that provide essential services to the community and people in need. The level of giving shows residents' willingness to invest in programs and organizations serving the community.

How is our region performing?

In 2006, residents in the region gave 2.7% of their income as charitable contributions, below the levels for the state and nation and down (after adjusting for inflation) from 3.1% in 2004. Contributions as a share of income fell in each county in the region as well as in the state and nation from 2004 to 2006, with most of the drop coming between 2005 and 2006. Contributions as a percentage of income tend to be higher in Monroe than in the surrounding counties.

Notes about the data

Total contributions and average contributions were inflated to 2009 dollars. Data were not available for earlier years. Contributions only include those listed on tax returns that itemize deductions, so contributions from people who don't itemize deductions are not included. However, experts believe this captures 85% to 90% of all giving. Contributions as a percentage of income are total contributions on tax returns with itemized deductions divided by the adjusted gross income listed on those returns.