The National Center for Charitable Statistics recently released its annual 501c3 finance statistics, showing that giving to both private  foundations and public charities is up in the 14-county Charlotte region.  Between 2009 and 2010, contributions, gifts and grants to private foundations and public charities in the region increased from $71 to $170 per capita and $574 to $602 per capita, respectively. 

While contributions to public charities in the area seem to be on a steady rise, giving to private foundations has been much more sporadic over the years.  Seven of the 14 Charlotte region counties increased their contributions to private foundations between 2009 and 2010, with Mecklenburg jumping the most ($176 to $434 per capita).  Cleveland County experienced the greatest decline in giving to foundations ($51 to $5 per capita). 

Ten of the area’s 14 counties increased in per capita giving to public charities between the two years.  Lancaster County grew the most, from $187 to $948 per capita, while Cabarrus County saw the biggest drop in per capita giving, from $500 to $308 per capita.

About the data:  These data are derived from two annual reports - The Finances of 501(c)(3) Public Charities and The Finances of 501(c)(3) Private Foundations – published by the Urban Institute National Center for Charitable Statistics.  The NCCS provides nonprofit finances based on public charity type, fiscal measure, geographic level (state, county and NTEE code are available), and year.