What does this measure?

Contributions to charitable organizations, measured as an average per tax return with itemized contributions.

Why is this important?

Charitable giving supports a wide variety of organizations, including those that provide essential services to the community and people in need. The level of giving shows residents' willingness to invest in programs and organizations serving the community.

How is our state doing?

In 2013, Delawareans contributed an average of $1,100 per tax return to charitable organizations, a decrease of 26% from 2002. Among individual counties in 2012, New Castle contributed more than the state at $1,240 per tax return, while Sussex and Kent counties were much lower at $860 and $790 per return respectively. Each county saw a drop in giving from 2002-12, with the largest decrease of 31% occurring in New Castle County.

How do we compare to the nation and similar states or regions?

Delaware residents in 2013 gave nearly $200 less per tax return on average than the nation. Among comparable geographies in 2012, the Richmond and Jacksonville metro areas both gave more than Delaware at $1,500 and $1,300 per return respectively, while Rhode Island had a much lower rate of charitable giving at $870 per tax return.

Notes about the data

Total contributions and average contributions were inflated to 2014 dollars. Data were not available for every year.