More African Americans Contributing to Charities

While African Americans have long contributed to black causes, a recent study finds that they are now donating more to a wider range of charities, the Indianapolis Star reported Aug. 28.

"African-American philanthropy is responsible for the first black schools, banks, and insurance companies; it was the economic engine financially and for volunteers for the civil-rights movement," said Emmett Carson, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation.

According to a study conducted by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University (IUPUI), Caucasians give an average of $1,572 a year to charities, while all racial minorities contributed $1,113. But when factors such as age and income were factored in, racial differences began to disappear.

"What this suggests is the difference in raw averages is due to differences in income and not differences in skin color," said Patrick Rooney, IUPUI director of research.

With an increase in the number of African-American doctors, lawyers, athletes, entertainers, and other professionals in the past three decades, Rooney expects African Americans to become major contributors to charitable causes.

"There is enormous opportunity out there if you can make your case for whatever your cause is," he said. "These are people who have been giving throughout their history, and members of that community have more wealth than ever before."

Source: www.jointogether.org