Earlier this week, the Chronicle of Philanthropy released the results of a national study of charitable giving across the country called "How America Gives."
The study utilized 2008 data from the IRS to calculate the median amount and proportion of income for taxpayers earning more than $50,000 annually in "every city and town in the United States."
Turns out- based on a zip code search of their database- Rye (10580) ranks 34th of 28,725 communities across the nation. [It was not possible to isolate Rye Brook for a database search]
- Total charitable contributions for zip code 10580: $110.3 million
- Median contribution: $21,134
- Median discretionary income: $409,659
- Percent of income given: 5.2 percent
According to data provided by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, giving in Westchester County averages to 5.4 percent of income.
So where do you rank? Are you donating more or less than Rye's median contribution amount in the Chronicle of Philanthropy's study?
The most interesting analysis I have seen of the Chronicle of Philanthropy study comes from Boston Globe syndicated columnist Jeff Jacoby, who notes: "According to the Chronicle, the most generous city in America is Provo, Utah, where residents typically give away 13.9 percent of their discretionary income. Boston, by contrast, ranks No. 358: In New England's leading city, the median household donates just 2.9 percent of its income to charity. Provo's generosity is typical for its region. Of the 10 most generous cities in America, according to the Chronicle's calculations, six are in Utah and Idaho. Boston's tight-fistedness is typical too: Of the 10 stingy cities at the bottom of the list, eight are in New England -- including Springfield (No. 363) and Worcester (No. 364). What's the matter with Massachusetts? How can residents of the bluest state, whose political and cultural leaders make much of their compassion and frequently remind the affluent that we're all in this together, be so lacking in personal generosity? And why would charitable giving be so outstanding in places as conservative as Utah and Idaho?" I recommend reading the entire Jacoby piece which can be found at: http://www.jeffjacoby.com/12169/stingy-liberals It's an eye opener.