Charitable Giving Stays Strong

WINCHESTER, Va., Nov. 16, 2011 The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) announced today that cash charitable giving to ECFA members continues to be very strong, totaling $9.38 billion last year, a 5.8 percent increase from the 2009 level of $8.87 billion.

"It is very significant that this segment of the giving world continues to receive strong support during a difficult economic time," said Dan Busby, ECFA president. "Our report demonstrates a strong commitment of givers to the Christian faith and the generosity of God's people."

ECFA's second Annual State of Giving Report (ecfa.org/stateofgiving) showed charitable contributions held up especially well among larger charities. Donations to ECFA-member organizations with more than $10 million in annual revenue increased 6.7 percent in 2010, compared with 2009, while organizations with less than $10 million in annual revenue increased 1.6 percent during the same span.

Non-cash giving decreased 13.5 percent in 2010, compared with 2009, according to the ECFA analysis. Busby noted that there is a significant ebb and flow of noncash gifts based on the timing of natural disasters.

Recent reports indicated stagnant donations to large charities and nonprofits nationwide. The Chronicle of Philanthropy reported last month that cash donations to the nation's 400 charities that raise the most funds from private sources was 0.2 percent in 2010, compared with the previous year.

The ECFA report breaks down giving into 29 segments, including organizations, churches, rescue missions, missionary-sending ministries, colleges and universities, and camps and conferences. Ministries focused on children showed four of the largest increases in total 2010 giving, compared with 2009 -- cash donations to foundations gained 69 percent, child sponsorship 24 percent, orphan care 20 percent and adoption 15 percent.

Data used to compile ECFA's first Annual State of Giving Report come directly from financial statements prepared by independent certified public accountants.

For more results, and to see the 2011 ECFA Annual State of Giving Report, go to www.ecfa.org.

ECFA, founded in 1979, provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with the ECFA standards pertaining to financial accountability, fund-raising and board governance. For more information about ECFA, including information about accreditation and a listing of ECFA-accredited members, visit www.ecfa.org or call 1-800-323-9473.

To schedule an interview with an executive staff member of ECFA, contact Ty Mays at (770) 256-8710 or tmays@inchristcommunications.com.