Providence charities struggling with lowest donations in the US
August 22nd, 2012 at 9:29 am by Ted Nesi under Nesi's Notes, On the Main Site
Suzanne Sataline reports for The Chronicle of Philanthropy (emphasis mine):
Federal tax data analyzed by The Chronicle of Philanthropy showed that taxpayers in the Providence metropolitan area gave less to charity in 2008 than residents of any of the other 50 largest metropolitan areas. A similar Chronicle study using 1997 data yielded comparable results. …
Each year, that has meant limited money and greater challenges for homeless shelters, Catholic schools, food banks, hospital programs, after-school classes, job-retraining sessions, and small theater groups, some of which have been forced to close their doors. …
While it may be surprising to see so little giving in a city that is home to an Ivy League institution (Brown University) and known as a summer haven for the Vanderbilts and Astors, with Gilded Age mansions and sailboat races, nonprofit leaders say fundraising is tough because few big companies operate in the state.
What’s more, state and local governments have been so strapped for money they are imposing taxes and adopting other fiscal policies that leave the middle- and upper-income residents with less disposable income.
Fundraisers here say it takes extraordinary effort to meet each year’s budget goal.
Sataline also reports that The Rhode Island Foundation has commissioned a study from Boston College’s Center on Wealth and Philanthropy to examine why middle- and low-income people in Providence give less than their peers in other parts of the country. The findings are due out later this year.
Tags: charity, nonprofits
Nesi's Notes covers politics and the economy in and around Rhode Island for WPRI.com. (Twitter: 
These are figures from 2008?? Way to be relevant. I’ll stay tuned to WPRI for further breaking news from four years ago….
Ted, they include religious donations in the figures.
So Utah always wins, because Mormons tithe 10%.
Secular states do worse.
But donations to church are not the same as donations to the RI Foundation.
I bet if you subtract religion from the equation, RI stacks up quite well.
RI Foundation was also given money by Blue Cross Blue Shield as part of a selttlement with the city of Providence. I would prefer to have people give to churchs instead of the high taxes of Rhode Island which go to support our over staffed government, overcompensated employees, which includes public school teachers, cops and firement. Don’t forget the fraudulent welfare and social services crowd. At least when churches handle security safety nets less fraud is commited.
Fascinating point. Thanks.
Does charity include giving to churches? If so, the data and analysis is flawed. Giving to churches is akin to a country club membership. Nobody thinks a country club membership is charitable giving and neither is paying “dues” to a religious organization.