A Closer Look at How Charitable Giving is Failing the South
Expressing generosity through charitable giving is the lifeblood of American society. It serves a number of purposes, from supporting religious institutions, food banks, and other essential services to helping those in need and keeping civic organizations strong. Americans are also often compelled to give to international charities, moved by needs or crises abroad.
Despite this generosity, American giving trends often fall short of addressing the nation’s most pressing needs. Study after study shows that the most intractable poverty in America tends to be in the rural southern and Gulf Coast states. According to the US Census, in 2020, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, all had poverty rates ranging from 15% to 19%. They similarly have some of the lowest levels of educational attainment in the country as well as high food insecurity. The Opportunity Index shows that children in these regions have fewer opportunities for upward mobility than children in many other parts of the country, with Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana ranked 44th, 48th, and 50th, respectively, by state. Despite being the richest country in the world, our country still has deep generational poverty, particularly in this region.
Charitable giving tends to be lowest in those regions as well. An analysis of giving data through Charity Navigator’s Giving Basket shows that charities in these areas received just less than a quarter of the total donation dollars per capita compared to other regions in the country. And donations, on average, tend to be about 15% smaller than those donations going to charities based in some other states. For example, the average donation to a charity in Louisiana through Charity Navigator was just $72, while the national average is $118. Also, the bulk of charities in these regions are community-based, focusing on human services, food, and education. These are charities staffed by committed people delivering strong and effective programs, working to uplift their communities. This means that despite the presence of effective programs and staff these charities continue to be disproportionately resourced compared to other regions.
Consider the Louisiana-based organization Uncommon Construction, which trains high school youth in construction skills, preparing them for long-term employment. Uncommon Construction is not only a 4-star charity but has also been recognized for excellence by Teach for America and the Afterschool Alliance. Another notable organization is Feeding the Gulf Coast, a 4-star rated food bank that provided over 34 million meals last year. The region is home to many innovative and effective organizations like these that need resources to expand their impact.
There are several possible reasons why this disparity exists:
Most people support local organizations or large national charities based in major coastal cities. As states in the South have a lower per capita average income than other parts of the country, there may be less disposable income for charitable donations to local nonprofits.
Additionally, those who can provide support may donate smaller amounts.
Why should you care?
People seek donations that are highly impactful. The impact is measured in a number of ways. While it is of course critical that a nonprofit is effective in its operations and approach, the needs of the community also influence impact. Donating $1 to an impactful nonprofit in a high-need community with limited resources can often create greater impact than giving the same amount to an organization in an area where challenges are less severe. While this is often a justification for giving to very poor communities in low-income countries, the same logic can be applied to the poorest communities in the US.
What can you do?
Consider geographically diversifying your portfolio. In addition to giving to a cause close to your heart locally, consider giving to a similar cause in these regions. Charity Navigator can help you find highly effective nonprofits working in these regions. Ultimately, your dollar has more impact as it may be addressing higher needs in lower-resourced communities.
We all want to find ways to solve the intractable problems in our country and communities. Part of that is ensuring that the communities with the greatest need and the fewest resources are core to our collective giving agenda. So, in addition to your local food bank, consider donating a few dollars to a food bank on the Gulf Coast. That way you can maximize the difference you are making in your hometown and in the greater United States.
Here are a few highly-rated nonprofits in that region working in education, housing, human services, or food security.
-
A charity dedicated to providing hunger relief to individuals along the Central Gulf Coast, including Alabama, Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle. They distribute millions of meals annually through various programs and partnerships to combat food insecurity in their service area.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana
This charity focuses on leading the fight against hunger in South Louisiana by providing food access, advocacy, education, and disaster response. They distribute millions of meals annually to individuals facing hunger through a network of community partners.
-
A charity committed to improving the lives of single mothers by providing support groups, education, and resources in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Their programs aim to empower single moms through parenting, financial literacy, and health and wellness initiatives.
-
A charity that uses the build process to empower youth in New Orleans by providing apprenticeships in construction. Students earn hourly pay and school credit, gaining real-world experience and leadership skills to enhance their future career opportunities.
-
Dedicated to building assets and creating access for Latino communities in the Greater New Orleans area. They focus on leadership development, economic advancement, and advocacy to ensure Latinos have the tools and resources needed for success.
-
A charity that provides programs aimed at building character, promoting healthy relationships, and preventing risky behaviors among youth. Through experiential learning and leadership development, they strive to empower young people to make positive life choices.
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
This foundation works to impact communities in Northwest Mississippi by connecting people who care with causes that matter. They focus on education, health, and children’s programs, providing grants and support to local nonprofits and initiatives.
United Way of South Mississippi
A charity that mobilizes resources to improve the quality of life in South Mississippi. It focuses on education, financial stability, and health, working with community partners to address critical needs and create lasting change.
-
A charity that connects families living in affordable housing with resources and programs to help them advance in life, school, and work in Jackson, Mississippi. They focus on resident-driven services that promote economic mobility and community engagement.
-
A faith-based charity in Jackson, Mississippi, providing food, shelter, clothing, and nurturing care to children, elderly, disabled, and poor persons in the community. Their programs aim to meet basic needs and offer pathways to self-sufficiency.
Boys & Girls Club of Central Mississippi
Provides after-school and summer programs for youth, focusing on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development. Their mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
-
A charity providing emergency food and disaster relief to Baldwin County, Alabama residents in need. They offer a client-choice food pantry, allowing families to select groceries that meet their dietary needs and preferences.
Christmas Charities Year-Round Services Inc.
A charity that provides basic necessities, such as clothing and household items, to individuals and families in need throughout the year in Alabama. They aim to improve the quality of life for low-income residents in their community.