What gives with how Americans choose to give?

Answer: Because they believe in the cause

Questions:

• Among the listed reasons for donating to charity, which one do you personally find most compelling? Why?
• How does age influence the top reasons for Americans donating to charity? Why do you think there are variations across different age groups?
• How might personal experiences influence an individual's decision to donate to a specific charity or cause? Share any personal experiences you've had that might have an impact on your giving in the future.

Here are the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom. 

Behind the numbers (YouGov):

"For Americans who say they have ever donated to charities, the two most listed reasons for donating among those offered in the poll are belief in the cause (48%) and belief that one should give to charity (31%). Older Americans who donate to charities are slightly more likely than younger givers to say that donating is part of their religious beliefs: 19% for Americans between 45 and 64, and 25% for Americans 65 and older, compared to 10% for those under 30 and 7% for those between 30 and 44"

About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan is the Partnerships and Adoption Manager for Next Gen Personal Finance’s midwest region. He brings his experience as a former teacher, curriculum designer, and sales and marketing professional to state organizations and school districts in supporting the implementation of their personal financial education efforts. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and earned his teaching credential from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He proudly taught at two rural high schools in Wisconsin before transitioning to curriculum design at NGPF, and is now excited to be on the front lines in delivering the best possible financial education in the midwest. He and his wife have three beautiful daughters, each of which inspire him to share the impact of being sound financial stewards both at home and as lifelong learners.