As the Columbus Foundation prepares to host a major philanthropic event later this month, a new study shows city residents give to charity at a rate that is below the national average. Jim Letizia reports.
The study by The Chronicle of Philanthropy shows Columbus is one of more than 60 of America's 100 largest metropolitan areas in the country that give less than the national average. Researchers studies how much people who itemize their tax deductions donate to charity. Results show Columbus residents give 2.7 percent of their income to charity, which is below the national average of 3.1 percent. Mansfield had the highest rate in the state at 3.7 percent. Overall, fewer Americans are giving to charity. Study authors suspect the numbers come from economic fears in the wake of the Great Recession, and a higher cost of living. On October 10th and 11th, the Columbus Foundation is hosting the Big Give, amplifying donations to local charities with a pro-rated share of it's 1.3 million dollar pool of money.
