Americans and Floridians are Ingenious at Being Generous

By Dawn Pollock posted 11-03-2014 13:47

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This November marks a quarter century of celebrating National Philanthropy Month and both Americans and Floridians are ingenious at being generous. From frequent volunteering, to cell phone donations, to traditional volunteering and special events, community spirit is alive and well.

The Tampa Bay Business Journal reports that in 2013, Florida had one of the largest increases in charitable giving in the country and more than 95% of American households give to charity. Remarkably, three-fourths of private sector donations are from individuals who earn less than $100,000 per year and do not receive a tax benefit from their generosity.

But cash donations are only one part of the story. Floridians also volunteer. The impact of 3.3 million Floridians donating 516 million volunteer hours in 2009, added nearly $2 billion dollars to our state’s economy. Nationally, 1 in 4 Americans volunteer and the value of their contribution in 2012 was estimated at more than $175 billion.

We give and volunteer for a variety of reasons: religious faith, a desire feel good, to improve a public image, to act on a personal experience, because the government offers tax deductions, to make a difference on an issue, or just a belief that giving is a good thing to do. We work in hospitals, schools, civic organizations, social service agencies, religious organizations, in sports, the arts, and many other places where we can lend a helping hand.

Often, that place is our professional association. The Empire State Society of Associations Executives notes that seven of every ten adults belongs to at least one association. Add to that the figure from a recent issue of Associations Now that 9 out of 10 association members volunteered in 2013, and it is easy to see that Associations and their members are an important part of this wave of giving.

We all know even small acts of kindness multiply and seeing someone helping another person, or being helped by someone can encourage us to be generous. Whether it is National Philanthropy Day, American’s Random Acts of Kindness Day (which are both in November), Global Pay it Forward Day in April, working to lessen the impact of a natural disaster, or one of the many other ways to volunteer, the best way to celebrate National Philanthropy Month is to do something well, philanthropic.

So, give a compliment, hug a friend, tell someone you love them, pick up litter, say thank you to the mail carrier, send a “just because” note, drive nicer, mow someone’s lawn, help someone with packages, smile and wave to a neighbor, send flowers, let the person behind you in line go first. The possibilities are endless and as gratifying to the giver as to the recipient. And yes—write that check, donate your time and expertise—it makes a difference, a big difference.

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