U.S. charitable giving expanded in 2011 at a rate far exceeding economic growth for the year, and continued growth in giving is forecast for 2012 according to a major report just released by The Atlas of Giving. (View with a free subscription.)

The Agitator also reports on the GivingUSA and the Blackbaud Indexes, but unlike those, the Atlas does not rely on surveys or selective data as provided by a limited number of nonprofits. Rather it measures total giving by sector as it occurs monthly. And, unlike either Giving USA or Blackbaud, the Atlas provides an annual forecast of the year ahead that is then updated monthly.

For 2012 the Atlas forecasts continued growth in giving, but at a slower pace — 3.9% in 2012 compared with 7.5% in 2011.

You can learn more about their methodology, the 2011 results and 2012 forecast in a FREE webinar to be presented on February 1st at 3pm EST. Register at www.infiniteconferencing.com/join and type in the participant code 79508108.

Key Takeaways from 2011 Atlas Report

• Contributions totaled $346.17 billion – a 7.5% increase over 2010.

• Giving growth was particularly strong in four states: PA (+13.1%), IL (+ 12%), FL(+10.9%) and TX (+10.0%).

• Growth in giving to Education was particularly strong (+8.9%) while Human Needs/Disaster Giving lagged other sectors (+ just 5.8%).

• Both Individual Giving (+7.8%) and Bequests (+7.5%) grew. And notably, gifts to Donor Advised Funds reached record levels.

Key Takeaways from 2012 Atlas Forecast

• Giving will continue to grow in 2011. But unlike the 7.5% growth rate for 2011, Atlas is forecasting that giving will grow at a slower pace — 3.9%.
  

• The forecast is bright for charities with an environmental mission – projected to be up 8%.

• But the church/religious sector is forecast to grow at just 1.6%.

• Political fundraising will divert some dollars from charitable giving but the impact will not be significant. The Atlas forecasts it will be much less than 1% for overall charitable giving. Of course some sectors will be more affected than others.

How do your 2011 results compare? And what increase in giving have you projected for 2012? Would love to hear from you.

Roger

P.S. I’ve noted in previous posts that if you’re a consultant, an on-staff fundraiser or board member, The Atlas of Giving, with its forecasts by sector and its state-by-state analysis is a “must” for your library. There’s a Free Edition and a Professional Edition. Check ‘em out at www.atlasofgiving.com.

And don’t forget to register for the Atlas February 1st webinar at www.infiniteconferencing.com/join and type in the participant code 79508108.