Philanthropy Study Says Portsmouth Residents Less Generous Than Average American
The Chronicle of Philanthropy has released detailed information on philanthropy by state, county, town and zip code.
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The percentage of their income Portsmouth residents give to charity is less than the county, but equal to the state's percentage, according to a study released today.
However, those making between $50,000 to $99,999 annually in Portsmouth gave the most, percentage-wise.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy's "How America Gives" study reported that Portsmouth residents, with a median discretionary income of $65,463, had a median contribution of 3.1 percent, or $2,044, of their income to charity in 2008, the tax year for which data was collected.
By way of comparison, the state and country's median contribution was 3.1 percent and 4.7 percent, respectively. (See chart below.)
| Geographic Area | Median Discretionary Income | Percentage Donated | Dollar Amount Donated | |
| Portsmouth | $65,463 |
3.1 | $2,044 | |
| Newport County | $47,975 |
4.2 | $2,028 |
|
| Rhode Island | $53,181 |
3.1 | $1,666 |
|
| United States | $54,783 | 4.7 | $2,564 |
The study is based on exact dollar amounts released by the Internal Revenue Service that show the value of charitable deductions claimed by American taxpayers in 2008.
The Chronicle’s rankings show the percentage of their income that households donated from the money they had left after paying their taxes and covering housing, food, and other essential expenses.
Former Ports resident
12:30 pm on Monday, August 20, 2012
Especially when it comes to tolls on the bridge!
Jeff Goss
9:17 pm on Monday, August 20, 2012
If you feel like donating to a great charity, WEEI starts their annual Jimmy Fund Radiothon tomorrow. Tune in to 103.7 fm and hear the stories. I guarantee you will make the call. It puts life in perspective.