Why Philanthropy Matters: How the Wealthy Give, and What It Means For Our Economic Well-Being

by Zoltan J. Acs,
Tulsa World, March 24, 2013

Americans are the most generous people on earth. Each year, they give away about $350 billion, roughly 2 or 3 percent of the gross domestic product. Philanthropy and volunteerism are twice as common in the United States as they are, on average, in other nations.