Average charitable gift increased by 56% in 2019, study finds

Average charitable gift increased by 56% in 2019, study finds
Despite changes in tax treatment, philanthropists increased support for nonprofits
SEP 28, 2020

Despite concerns that the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would have a negative effect on charitable contributions, philanthropists increased their support for the nonprofit sector during 2019, with average gifts that were 56% greater than in 2018, according to a report by BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

Nonprofit organizations represented in the study saw an increase in planned gifts in 2019, with the number of charitable gift annuities rising 21% over the prior year.

The study revealed that 74% of donors made gifts to organizations that were located outside of the state of their primary location, up from 66% in 2018. Over half the donations (58%) came from repeat donors.

While 51% of the nonprofits surveyed indicated that COVID-19 had negatively affected their planned giving efforts, many have turned the challenges of social distancing and remote work into opportunities to strengthen donor relationships and mission-focused messaging, BNY Mellon said in a release.

Latest News

No succession plan? No worries. Just practice in place
No succession plan? No worries. Just practice in place

While industry statistics pointing to a succession crisis can cause alarm, advisor-owners should be free to consider a middle path between staying solo and catching the surging wave of M&A.

Research highlights growing need for personalized retirement solutions as investors age
Research highlights growing need for personalized retirement solutions as investors age

New joint research by T. Rowe Price, MIT, and Stanford University finds more diverse asset allocations among older participants.

Advisor moves: RIA Farther hails Q2 recruiting record, Raymond James nabs $300M team from Edward Jones
Advisor moves: RIA Farther hails Q2 recruiting record, Raymond James nabs $300M team from Edward Jones

With its asset pipeline bursting past $13 billion, Farther is looking to build more momentum with three new managing directors.

Insured Retirement Institute urges Labor Department to retain annuity safe harbor
Insured Retirement Institute urges Labor Department to retain annuity safe harbor

A Department of Labor proposal to scrap a regulatory provision under ERISA could create uncertainty for fiduciaries, the trade association argues.

LPL Financial sticking to its guns with retaining 90% of Commonwealth's financial advisors
LPL Financial sticking to its guns with retaining 90% of Commonwealth's financial advisors

"We continue to feel confident about our ability to capture 90%," LPL CEO Rich Steinmeier told analysts during the firm's 2nd quarter earnings call.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.