The economy may be in crisis, but affluent Americans plan to maintain their level of charitable giving this year, according to a recent survey.
Two-thirds of respondents said that they will give the same amount in charitable contributions this year as in 2008, according to a survey conducted by Unity Marketing of Stevens, Pa.
The survey of 1,166 consumers with an average income of $199,200 and an average age of 45.6 years was conducted Jan. 6 through Jan. 12.
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In addition, 15% of respondents overall, and 26% of those with incomes above $250,000, plan to increase their donations to charities this year, the survey found.
Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing, sees the trend of placing importance on charitable giving as a response to the economic climate.
"There is a paradigm shift from a consumer culture to a more sharing-and-caring culture," she said. "The economic situation is a tipping point that is forcing us to look at the effects of consumption."
The survey also showed that more than 70% of respondents said that they donated money to a charity or non-profit organization last year, while 39% volunteered for a cause and 30% attended a charitable fund-raising event.
Ms. Danziger was surprised at the number of affluent consumers donating their time through volunteering efforts. "Time really is the ultimate money, especially for the luxury consumers," she said.
