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Get the facts about charitable giving.

• In 1970, wealthy nations agreed to a goal of spending 0.7 percent of their gross national product on assistance to developing countries. In 2004, these countries spent on average just 0.25 percent.

• More than 91 percent of Americans participate at some level of charitable giving. 
 
• Lower-income Americans are among the nation's most generous givers, with 48 percent of households earning less than $25,000 per year giving at least $100 per year. 
 
• The average annual contribution for contributors is $1,620. 
 
• Top five reasons why people give:

1. Because they are asked or are presented a giving opportunity
2. Compassion for those in need
3. Personally believe in the cause
4. Affected by the cause
5. To give back to their community

• Total giving to charitable organizations increased to $260.3 billion in 2005, up 2.7 percent from 2004 (when adjusted for inflation).

• Thirty-two percent of U.S. adults have less than positive feelings toward America's charitable organizations. And only one in 10 strongly agrees that charitable organizations are honest and ethical in their use of donated funds.

• Younger adults are more likely than older adults to have positive feelings toward charitable organizations.

Sources: www.one.org, www.freelanthropy.com, www.nptrust.org, www.charitynavigator.org, www.about.com