Katrina States (among the poorest) Gave the Most to Charity in 2004

[ignatzmouse]

Here's something you may not know. Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, the three states hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina, ranked 1, 4, 5 in 2004 on the "Generosity Index" according to the Catalogue for Philanthropy. All three are among the poorest states and yet their people are among the most generous in their annual giving to charity. The Generosity Index ranks states according to their average adjusted gross income per household and their annual average charitable contribution. Full ranking here: http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/cfp/db/generosity.php?year=2004.

Those poor undeserving welfare suckers (according to some on the Right) are certainly generous when it comes to helping others. At the same time, those with the most, tend to contribute the least to others.

[Justice]

1. That is just incredible.

All the more reason to help them in their time of need.

[rzemanfl]

5. It's the Bible Belt, alot of that money went to folks that believe

gays should be stoned and abortion clinics blown up.

[ignatzmouse]

8. As a Southener...

That's a bit of an over-generalization. There is bigotry in the South, but it exists plentifully everywhere. I have no idea how much of the charitable contributions went to churches left or right, whether or not the percentage was different from other parts of the country. Perhaps it was a little more. I won't even defend the report's methodology, though it was striking when I happened on it. However, there are also a considerable number of black churches in the South -- remember the Civil Rights movement?

And more importantly, people in the South *are* generous. It doesn't matter if they are red or blue, black or white. Looking out for each other in a time of need is a given in the South. People in my neighborhood will mow each other's lawns just as a kind act. If someone is sick, in need, or there is a death, they will line up with food or whatever is needed. I'll never forget when my cousin and aunt were in a bad car accident how everyone who knew them came by with food and meals, prayers, and hospitality until their house was stacked. In the easy rush to caricature Southerners, please don't forget this better side -- because it is more genuine.

[rzemanfl]

11. I confess to overgeneralization, but I'd bet there is a whole lot of

tithing going on.

[charlie]

2. Not reliable methodology

It gets its charitable contribution figures from itemized tax deductions.

[ignatzmouse]

3. What methodology should they use? (n/t)

[charlie]

6. Don't know

Including the number of charitable donations relative to the number of returns and not just the average amount vis a vis average income would probably be a little more accurate. With 2 groups of say, 1000 people of equal average income, if 100 in the first group gave $100, and 2 millionaires in the second gave $5001, the second group is rated more generous.

Also, how often have you itemized your charitable donations? I know I never have. I doubt most people do.

Republicans were using this very report last year to crow that "red states" were more generous than "blue."

[rzemanfl]

4. That includes the fundy churches. See, God decided to punish

the queers and abortionists in New Orleans by wiping out the houses of Evangelicals along with theirs, because He didn't want to do gas line explosions or fires or just to cause folks who piss Him off to fall over dead in the street. So keep them donations comin' in, because God's work don't stop just because yer house in kindling and yer job is gone. Y'all be sure to tithe on the money you get from the gubmint.

[SOS]

7. The "Catalogue for Philanthropy"

is run by the Ellis L. Phillips Foundation. They are right-wingers counting tax-deductible church contributions. Is a new tax-free parking lot really charity?
Here are the family board members contributions for the last cycle:

1.PHILLIPS, ELLIS L MR Jr
$1,000
Bush, George W

2.PHILLIPS, ELLIS L MR JR
$500
Bush, George W

3.PHILLIPS, ELLIS MR
$750
Republican National Cmte

4.PHILLIPS, ELLIS MR
$750
Republican National Cmte

5.PHILLIPS, ELLIS MR
$500
Republican National Cmte

6.PHILLIPS, ELLISL MR JR
$500
Republican National Cmte

[ignatzmouse]

9. Is there research on this w/o church contributions?

I didn't know of the connections. I am interested in charitable giving research from a secular altruistic vantage but have found little beyond national figures.

[SOS]

10. This article

"How Americans Give" is very informative.

http://philanthropy.com/free/articles/v15/i14/14000601.htm