Data about giving has never been as up-to-date and accessible as it is today, but reports still provide conflicting information.  For example, since 2001, the Generosity Index has looked annually at states’ capacity to give (income) compared to how much is given to charitable organizations, using IRS data, which reflects the giving only of those who itemize their deductions. Using this lens, Maine has held the highest rank among the six New England states, although we have never ranked above 30th on the Index.  

To gain a better understanding of what this means, MPC and several other New England
regional associations and community foundations commissioned a study of our region’s giving. A Closer Look at New England Giving (November 2005) is based upon national survey data that, for the first time, has been analyzed by regions.  The Indiana University Center on Philanthropy just completed this report and concludes that many more New Englanders give to charity than in other regions of the country. The data draws from
interviews, rather than IRS data, and allows us to look at religious and secular giving, something not captured in the itemized charitable gifts in tax returns.

The Generosity Index, while easy to understand, has had its critics.  The Boston Foundation, just published Geography and Generosity: Boston and Beyond.  This report specifically challenges Massachusetts’ ranking in the Generosity Index by proposing an alternate method of looking at giving trends and comparisons.

Take a look:
Charitable giving high in N.E. Portland Press Herald 11/16/05
New York Times Special Section on Giving 11/13/05
A Closer Look at New England Giving
Generosity Index
Geography and Generosity: Boston and Beyond