Can't Afford to be Generous? Blame the Economy: New Study

Can't Afford to be Generous? Blame the Economy: New Study Says One in Three Americans Now Giving Less

by Staff
September 28, 2009

SEATTLE, (christiansunite.com) -- Three out of four U.S. adults say the "current economic climate" has affected their charitable giving and one in three is giving less to charities, according to a new Child Sponsorship Survey just released by World Vision, an international Christian relief and development organization. Most polled say faith-based organizations (67%) and non- profit foundations (63%) should bear responsibility for helping the world's poor.

According to the study, one in five adults (21%) say they're now less likely to sponsor a child because of the economy and more than half (54%) say they would be more likely to sponsor a child if they had more money. Ten percent say they're actually giving more this year, despite the recession. Still, World Vision Child Sponsorship numbers show a modest increase (3%). Revenue forecast is for 8 percent growth in 2009 but private cash donations are expected to be down 3% from 2008.

The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive represents a definite shift from the charitable mood Americans were in less than a year ago. In late October, 2008 seven out of ten Americans said while the worsening economy meant they would probably spend less on holiday shopping, half said they were more inclined to give or receive a charitable gift for the holidays.

Lana Reda, World Vision's VP for Donor Engagement says, "The sputtering economy has made it more difficult for hard working Americans to give what's on their hearts. As the economy gets better, we believe Americans will step up to meet the urgent needs of children and families around the world. Our survey speaks to this optimism. Even now, ten percent of Americans are giving more and our sponsors at World Vision have hung in there." Reda has been with World Vision 8 years.

The poll was conducted by telephone by Harris Interactive on behalf of World Vision, an international Christian relief and development organization, between August 28th and 31st, 2009 among 1,006 U.S. adults ages 18 +, For complete methodology, including weighing variables, please contact John Yeager.

About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. World Vision serves the world's poor regardless of a person's religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.

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