Majority of Arizonans have given to charity in past year
Published: September 27, 2004
Scottsdale businesswoman Eileen Rogers gives about 12 percent to 15 percent of her income to charity.
She also gives roughly $100,000 in in-kind donations through her business, Allegra Print and Imaging, and she has made political contributions. She says she’ll continue giving to charity because “the need is even greater.”
A new survey on philanthropy shows Rogers is like many Arizonans. A majority of state residents have given to charity in the past year, donating an average of $2,700, and plan to do the same next year, according to the survey.
Preferred causes were children and youth, seniors and people with disabilities.
Compared with a 1999 survey, giving was up in the state. That’s a significant mark, considering the Sept. 11 attacks and economic downturn, which affected giving, and also potential giving competition this year from political elections.
The 2004 Guide to Philanthropy, based on a survey of 504 residents in May, “should be a reminder once again of the importance of private charity in meeting community needs,” said Stephen Mittenthal, president and chief executive officer of the Arizona Community Foundation, which oversees charitable funds statewide.
The survey’s margin of error was plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.
The survey, released this month, comes from ACF and Leave A Legacy Arizona, which works to increase charitable bequests. The survey found:
• Eighty-one percent made a financial donation, compared with 75 percent in 1999.
• The average gift was $2,724, up from $2,041 in 1999.
• Ten percent have a charitable bequest in their wills.
• Thirty-eight percent gave to religious groups such as churches.
• Thirty-six percent volunteered.
In the past year, Len Gutman, president of Open Door Communications in Ahwatukee Foothills, made charitable and political donations. He does some pro-bono work through his firm.
“My goal is to give what we can every year,” he said.
The 2004 survey is available at www.azfoundation.org
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