Religious organizations may have received the largest proportion (as usual) of the more than $316 billion donated by Americans last year. But they’re also one of the only giving sector not bouncing back post-recession, according to an annual assessment of American philanthropy.
In its annual report, the Giving USA Foundation calculates that charitable giving to houses of worship and religious organizations fell 2.2 percent in 2012 (when adjusted for inflation) over the previous year. Meanwhile, every other giving sector except foundations saw donations grow in 2012.
“These findings are very troubling for houses of worship and religious nonprofits that depend on the gifts of members and supporters to accomplish their missions,” said Rick Dunham, president and CEO of Dunham and Company, in a news release.
Read more at http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2013/06/giving-usa-annual-report-church-donations-decline.html