The United States of America has long been recognized for the generosity of its citizens, and the impact of that compassion has blessed families both here in our own country and around the globe. In fact, we value generosity so much that we consider it an integral part of our culture, a factor in our traditions and one of the essential ways in which we enrich our lives.
Giving has helped build our cultural centers and museums, establish our nature preserves, grow our institutions of higher learning, and fuel the many social services offered by our churches and synagogues. In fact, it’s hard to imagine what this country would look like if we were not a people of prosperity, generosity and hope.
But during times of economic stress — particularly inflation — it can seem reasonable for even the most compassionate and generous people to scale back their charitable giving. According to a recent report from ScoreSense, 48% of people feel financially stressed, mainly due to inflation.
After record years of generosity in 2020 and 2021, charitable giving decreased by 3.4% in 2022. People are also cutting back on groceries, vacations, eating out, clothing, and gifts for friends and family. And globally, the financial pressure is worse, with 74% of people reporting that inflation is the No. 1 cause of stress in their lives, according to Fidelity Investments research.
As prices go up, fears about how we will meet our own needs set in. Unfortunately, this produces twice the hardship for low-income families, in part because it draws resources away from the nonprofit organizations those families rely on during the same tough times. Low-income families, already living in survival mode, face the same inflation, and when charitable donations dry up, they can also lose the help they would have received from organizations established to address urgent needs.
In the U.S., government aid programs can fill some of those gaps, but those agencies can be slow to respond and typically lack the personal touch of local organizations. Localized charitable organizations know the community on a more intimate level, can address the needs of the individual and are often better at addressing the root causes of a person’s problems.
In 2021, food insecurity was experienced by 33.8 million of our fellow Americans, and worldwide, the numbers were even higher. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimated that 2.3 billion people are either moderately or severely food insecure. Many U.S.-based organizations are aware of this and choose to focus their efforts internationally, particularly in countries where there is no government safety net to provide for basic needs. The food and funding contributed to help the poor in developing countries is often the only thing those families can rely on when they face life-threatening hunger or heartbreaking homelessness.
That’s why, at times like these, I encourage Americans to engage in heroic acts of generosity. Courage and conviction are at the heart of what it means to be an American, and generosity is the fuel that allows us to change the lives of others in a positive way. I see it every day in the work I do. The people who give to our mission change lives and bring hope. Despite rising inflation, it is essential that Americans stay generous during inflationary conditions, and here are a few reasons why:
Generosity allows Americans to express their personal values with their dollars. You are not powerless; you can make a difference in an area you care about deeply. For example, I’m passionate about caring for low-income families, materially and spiritually, because I believe all people are created in the image of God and have eternal value.
When we give, we ultimately create greater stability and improve conditions for everyone. When our neighbor succeeds, we succeed.
Generosity also sets a positive example for the next generation. When we are open-handed with our time and resources, our children learn that we value compassion toward others and are willing to make sacrifices so others can be helped in their hour of need.
I also believe it is essential for Americans to remember that we have been a recipient of the generosity of those who have come before us: the brave men and women who have given their lives so that we can enjoy the blessings and freedoms of this prosperous land. When we choose to give our time and resources, we also honor their memory and sacrifices. We help ensure that the flame of the American spirit continues to burn brightly.
Not all of us are wealthy, but we all have something to offer others. My friends, stay kind, stay heroic and keep giving generously. So many people need what you have to offer.