How Much Do You Give Annually to Charity?

[Anonymous]

Tax time reminded me once again how little my family gives to charity. HHI $400k. We give to any friend / family raising money, we give to our kids’ school charity drives, we round up at the store, etc. That typically adds up to, say, $1k per year. Are we outliers or are you all giving about the same to charity? (I mean straight up 503(c) charity, not what you pay in taxes or spend on your family and friends…).

[Anonymous]

I make a slightly higher HHI and give slightly less than you. I am very, very passionate about the idea that if some portion of society needs funding, the government should do it - through both more efficient spending and cutting waste, as well as through raising taxes.

[Anonymous]

You are cheap for sure.

[Anonymous]

OP and PP, are you a good tipper?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I make a slightly higher HHI and give slightly less than you. I am very, very passionate about the idea that if some portion of society needs funding, the government should do it - through both more efficient spending and cutting waste, as well as through raising taxes.

This is such a cop out. You can be passionate about how the government should operate AND be personally generous at the same time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP and PP, are you a good tipper?

I'm not OP, but the PP. I've always tipped 20% even when I was a high school student. I don't go below (ever) and I don't go above unless something amazing happened.

[Anonymous]

We make $250k and give approx $4k to church annually; $1k to charities for causes we care about; maybe another $250ish to PTA, school fundraisers, etc.

[Anonymous]

I make a slightly higher HHI and give slightly less than you. I am very, very passionate about the idea that if some portion of society needs funding, the government should do it - through both more efficient spending and cutting waste, as well as through raising taxes..

Since you are not giving to charity, I assume you are giving to help candidates get elected who will make this happen?

[Anonymous]

HHI around $350k, give about $30k. Striving for 10% but rarely make it. It makes me sad to see others who are so stingy when so many are in great need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HHI around $350k, give about $30k. Striving for 10% but rarely make it. It makes me sad to see others who are so stingy when so many are in great need.

I think it's great you are giving so much but don't be judgmental about others. I am sure they have their reasons.

[Anonymous]

HHI around 400-500k and give $10k-$12k per year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HHI around $350k, give about $30k. Striving for 10% but rarely make it. It makes me sad to see others who are so stingy when so many are in great need.

This is awesome. We make a bit less than you, and only give about $6500 a year. Half of that to our church, and the rest given as automatic monthly payments to Maryland Food Bank and four other charities we support. If you’re gonna give, consider giving as a monthly automatic donation. For one thing, they can use the money more efficiently if they know they can budget based on it.

[Anonymous]

Our HHI is $600k and we donate about $60k to legitimate 503(c) organizations. We also tip for take out, try to do 25% or more for dine in and help family/friends. We grew up in the church so we've always had the mindset of tithing.

As I look at my response, it strikes me that it could be perceived that it is "easy" to do when our HHI is high but if we didn't do it when we were making $50k, I guarantee you we wouldn't be doing it right now. So find a cause that you care about and donate! It makes the world a better place and you will feel more connected to it!

[Anonymous]

HHI around $200k, last year we gave around $13k. We try to give at least 5% of gross. We have been doing this since before we married almost 30 years ago. We have to be intentional about it as it is easy to blow off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HHI around $350k, give about $30k. Striving for 10% but rarely make it. It makes me sad to see others who are so stingy when so many are in great need.

This is awesome. We make a bit less than you, and only give about $6500 a year. Half of that to our church, and the rest given as automatic monthly payments to Maryland Food Bank and four other charities we support. If you’re gonna give, consider giving as a monthly automatic donation. For one thing, they can use the money more efficiently if they know they can budget based on it.

Giving to your church isn't particularly generous. It only means you give to people who think like you do. It doesn't mean you're giving to anyone or anything in need.