New study shows lower-income people give more to charity than the rich

[HoleyCarbonGrid]

It's a common conservative economic argument that lowering taxes will allow for more charitable donations by individuals. See, for example, the argument put forth in this blog:

This illustrates a most urgent fact. The Republicans need to do a much better job communicating the reality that if one truly wants to help the poor and needy, wealth is required to do so. That while the democrat’s social policies such as entitlement programs are aimed at helping the poor and needy, the democrat’s economic policies destroy the wealth required for ongoing charity.

That Republican economic policies that lead to wealth creation, combined with Republican social policies encouraging charitable giving through tax credits not only leads to more effective social assistance (because government programs are very ineffective including government social programs), but guarantees the sustainability of social assistance for the poor and needy. AND…furthermore, it does so while respecting the potential of the individual and encouraging the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.

http://visionsfromthehorizon.blogspo...ve-better.html

However, a new study by the Chronicle of Philanthropy suggests that the rich donate far less to charity (as a percentage of income) than the middle class. This data argues that charitable donations won't be favorably affected by cutting taxes on the wealthy; in fact, it appears that the more economically and socially isolated one is from the economically disadvantaged, the less likely one is to give to charity.

A story about the study can be found here: http://www.npr.org/2012/08/20/158947...ritable-giving
The results of the study can be found here: http://philanthropy.com/section/How-America-Gives/621/

So, what do people think? Does cutting taxes increase charitable donations? Or is the increasing wealth gap a problem for organizations and individuals that rely on charitable donations?

[Apeman81]

It's a common conservative economic argument that lowering taxes will allow for more charitable donations by individuals. See, for example, the argument put forth in this blog:

http://visionsfromthehorizon.blogspo...ve-better.html

However, a new study by the Chronicle of Philanthropy suggests that the rich donate far less to charity (as a percentage of income) than the middle class. This data argues that charitable donations won't be favorably affected by cutting taxes on the wealthy; in fact, it appears that the more economically and socially isolated one is from the economically disadvantaged, the less likely one is to give to charity.

A story about the study can be found here: http://www.npr.org/2012/08/20/158947...ritable-giving
The results of the study can be found here: http://philanthropy.com/section/How-America-Gives/621/

So, what do people think? Does cutting taxes increase charitable donations? Or is the increasing wealth gap a problem for organizations and individuals that rely on charitable donations?

Let me see if I understand this.

It's a common conservative economic argument that lowering taxes will allow for more charitable donations by individuals. See, for example, the argument put forth in this blog:

So republicans think lower tax rates equal increased charitable spending.

Then

a new study by the Chronicle of Philanthropy suggests that the rich donate far less to charity (as a percentage of income) than the middle class.

Well, if you look at the republican position, the result of the study should come as no surprise. The "rich", taxed at a higher rate than the "middle class" have a lower charitable spending percentage.

That's evidence of the republican argument stated above is correct.

[HoleyCarbonGrid]

Let me see if I understand this.

So republicans think lower tax rates equal increased charitable spending.

Then

Well, if you look at the republican position, the result of the study should come as no surprise. The "rich", taxed at a higher rate than the "middle class" have a lower charitable spending percentage.

That's evidence of the republican argument stated above is correct.

Except it's not true that rich people are necessarily taxed at a higher rate than the middle class.

Furthermore, the study generally finds that - although there is an income disparity - the far more likely determinant of one's level of charitable donation is where one lives. Areas with relatively diverse socioeconomic residents tend to have higher proportions of income donated to charity; areas with socioeconomically isolated residents tend to donate less (particularly very wealthy areas).

The other main determinant, the study finds, is the religiosity of the area - areas with large populations of religious people tend to donate a lot more (generally to churches and religious organizations).

[NoJingoLingo]

This is nothing new, we already argued in this forum and found that the rich do not donate as much and that religious people donate to more than average but their donations go to their church.

[barts]

Well, if you look at the republican position, the result of the study should come as no surprise. The "rich", taxed at a higher rate than the "middle class" have a lower charitable spending percentage.

As Mitt Romney's taxes show, the rich are usually taxed at a lower rate than anyone else, except the poorest.

[barts]

This is nothing new, we already argued in this forum and found that the rich do not donate as much and that religious people donate to more than average but their donations go to their church.

Churches are not "charities". They are businesses selling "salvation" for pieces of silver.

[NoJingoLingo]

Churches are not "charities". They are businesses selling "salvation" for pieces of silver.

SSSSHHHH... don't let the cat out of the bag.

[Apeman81]

As Mitt Romney's taxes show, the rich are usually taxed at a lower rate than anyone else, except the poorest.

Income are taxed at a higher rate. Dividends are taxed at the same rate. Big difference.