Arts philanthropy booming, cultural giving rises 9.2%, new study says

Posted on: June 17th, 2015

By Mike Boehm   |   Los Angeles Times

Americans’ donations to arts and culture rose 9.2% in 2014, the highest increase in nine categories tracked by Giving USA, an annual report on charitable contributions.

Overall, however, arts and culture commanded a modest share of the philanthropic pie. Estimated gifts to arts and culture totaled $17.2 billion, according to the report compiled by Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Although that was a record high, it represented only 4.8% of the $358.4-billion total.

Giving to all charitable sectors rose 5.5% in a year when investment markets remained generally favorable — a key factor for many affluent donors. See full article>>