Mounting concerns about climate change have helped rev up public interest in land conservation and the preservation of species. Donations in the environment and animal charity sector are on the rise. In 2012, contributions added up to $8.3 billion.
Zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, animal rescue organizations, humane societies, habitat preservation programs, outdoor beautification projects, pollution abatement groups and environmental education programs are all part of this larger philanthropic sector.
The number of these organizations has been steadily growing over the past decade — in just 2012, the number rose by 6.8 percent.
How do you give?
As part of our special series on philanthropy and charitable giving in the United States we’re taking a look at a few things: Where did our strong history of philanthropy come from? What are the economic ramifications of how Americans give?
As part of the reporting we’re looking back at the history of some of the biggest philanthropists in U.S. history. John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffett.
In gauging how important those folks are we would also like to know how the average person gives.
What inspires you to give money to your local charity? Do you see philanthropy as time spent on a cause or money spent supporting it? We want to know!
We’ll use your answers to support future reporting on how people give.
Click here to get started!
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