We have always donated household goods. A few years ago, we found ourselves with enough money and considerable interest in helping to fund things we care about. Then, we were fortunate to inherit some money we hadn't counted on, and it has allowed us to donate, to causes and candidates, at least $5,000 in a year.

This is, to me, not necessarily "generous," as "generous" implies it's giving away what one might have made good use of. We are able to be "charitable," now, which is fortunate for sure, yet demands less of us emotionally because it does not stint us.

Our daughter, fifteen, asked for a loan last winter, and we were puzzled until she told us it was so she could lend money to an organization overseas that provides microloans to small entrepreneurs, especially women. She lent money to a man needing to add sewing machines to his tailoring business so he could expand and support his deceased brother's children.

She has given away all her allowance to various causes and candidates she's researched and cares about.

Having a good heart and being able to put it into action is rare these days among younger people and I'm so glad she has developed this desire on her own.

2500 to 5000

I don't donate directly to charities unless a friend or family member dies. Then, I make a donation to the charity requested in the name of that person. I no longer send flowers, because the flowers are soon gone and there is nothing to show for the amount of money you have spent on the funeral arrangement.

Over $5000 - we are all so blessed and we can be a blessing to others.

Yes, we do give more than $5,000 a year. We feel blessed to be able to give back to our church and our community. There are many worthwhile groups to support but you do have to be careful and investigate how much of the funds actually go to their work. We never give to phone solicitors, ask for their info and you never receive it - tells you something!

My husband and I donate more than $5,000 a year. Most of our giving goes to our church, but we also support our alma maters. I work for a large accounting firm, and they match our donations to our universities, which make our giving go further.

I support children in other parts of the world & workers from our church(used to be called Missionaries)& make donations to 3 charities per month-when new ones crop up, I tell them I cannot spread myself any thinner & to please delete my name from their data base. I lead a low key life, doing lots of volunteering, ushering, etc with arts organizations takes care of my entertainment budget, & do lots of free stuff...put together book baskets for worthy cause auctions. Have begun to donate my Photography to worthy auctions as well as items I'm given that I do not need.
I donate about $5,000 per year in goods & cash.
I think my income is below the national "average", but I've always lived simply, so can travel to Asia every year to volunteer, as it's easy on the budget.

We donate approximately $6,000.00 per year to our place of worship, education, and other charities. We feel that we are very fortunate to live in this country, have been given many gifts by God and our families, etc. (not monetary), and have the ability to share our wealth with others that are less fortunate than us. I always remember that quote, "There but for the grace of God, go I," when I give.

More than $5000 - mostly to church

Most of the money I give to Non-Profits is done through my time- I spend approximately 5 hours a week on a local wildlife rehabilitation organization, not to mention the 2 hour round trip drive. I still do try to give financially as well, but those gifts tend to be smaller because I'd much rather see that I'm making a difference instead of throwing money at it.

$1000-$2500. Charity contributions are given after my other basic household needs are taken care of. The older I get though, the more I feel the need to give back.

over 5,000

More than $5,000 The Lords work comes first, beginning with our small local fellowship and then other groups doing His work. Then comes national and local pet protection. Also have a local homeless lady the Lord has assigned me to share with. God is Good!!!!! I have learned much through this blessing of being able to give.

My contribution is over $5,000. per year. Most goes to my church, as a tithe. In addition, I give to Girl Scouts, various environmental organizations, American Veterans and The Samaratin's Purse. God provides generously for me. I believe that what I have has come from Him, and I want to honor God by sharing with others.

I've never really had extra $$ to donate to anybody,
so I pick toys, bedding, clothing & furniture, etc., off of curbs, take it home, wash it all & than I look for
people to give it away to, like my local church or someone that I might hear about.

$500 to $1,000

1000 to 2500

We started tithing several months ago and all is going well. We have wanted to do this for some time, but always put our bills first, leaving very little for food and gas. We decided to trust Our Lord completely. We now deduct 10% of gross first and give, then pay bills. Reading scripture reminds us to spend less and be content with a simpler life style. God is faithful and always provides for us.

Less than $500; my husband and I are seniors and have disabilities. We're just scraping by.

We do spend time attending meetings of several boards, committees, task forces, etc.

Less than $500

More than $5,000. My husband and I are both on a charitable board and believe that part of our board responsibilty is providng strong financial support. We also believe in supporting friends & family involved in charitable events (bike/runs/walks) and generously support events that mean something to us--National Parks, our alumni foundation, local charities. We feel we need to pass it on by giving back in ways that mean something to us.

I agree with the comment posted by Dana. We tithe to our local church (where we also tithe our time by serving and volunteering). We support a precious child through Compassion International (love to you, Eduardo!). And we have friends who live on the mission field overseas or domestically that we support.

Being connected to others + serving Jesus who gave everything for us = priceless

I fall in the over $1000 to $2000 annual category.
My God and I worked this out a long time ago.
Whenever my checkbook is looking sparse, I can check to see my last charitable gift, and invariably I am behind on my giving. He does provide to those who are willing and have the heart to share.
The hard part is choosing which areas and organizations do the best job with the gifts. I choose to focus on a few concepts.
Heifer Interenational gives livestock and livings, to poor people and communities all over the world
Habitat for Humanity provides housing
The Miami Rescue Mission has a family outreach in my community.
My church focuses on Social Justice matters including support for migrants and an excellent feeding program in Haiti.
While charity begins at home and I have a daughter and thus granddaughters who are in dire need themselves, the more you expand your reach the more connected you are to the greater world around you.
I am thankful that among my best qualities is empathy.
I can feel (and have experienced in small ways) the plight of the poor and outcast. Not on my watch, if I can help at all.
Small steps....small steps....if we all took small steps we could cross the desert together.

I cut off 8 inches of my hair to donate to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program. They make wigs for women in cancer treatment. I donated $10 to the St. Labre Native American school in Montana. They sent me a blanket.