Money Contributions to Religion, Charity, Education, and Politics

An exploration of what types of households make financial contributions to charitable, religious, educational, or political organizations or causes, drawing on data from the 1989 Consumer Expenditure Survey (N = 20,000 respondents) regarding such contributions for the previous 12 months. The findings show that 57% of these consumer units made monetary contributions, the median donation being $48. Of the donator families, 70% had annual incomes of $35,000+, 70% had at least 1 member with a college degree or higher, 60% were married couples (with or without children), & 60% of the couples were ages 45%. Religious donations accounted for 40% & charities for 39% of the total contributions. Implications are drawn for policymakers & others interested in identification of potential donors. 2 Tables, 3 Figures, 6 References. Adapted from the source document.