Contributors and Volunteers Respondents were asked a variety of demographic questions to illuminate the picture of who gives and who volunteers. Questions included respondents’ age, household income, ethnic and racial background, level of education, and employment status among others. Demographic characteristics are reflective of the respondent and not necessarily the entire household, unless otherwise stated.
Age and Gender
The age groups that volunteered the most in 1998 were 35-44 year olds (67%), followed by 45-54 year olds (63%). Volunteers in those age groups contributed more time each week than other groups—between 3.7 and 3.8 hours on average. A considerable increase was reported in the percentage of those aged 75 and over who volunteered in the past year. In 1998, 43% reported volunteering, a 9 percentage-point increase from 1995. In addition, seniors were asked to volunteer less often than younger age groups, but when asked, volunteered at nearly an equivalent rate to younger age groups. Forty-six percent (46%) of 18-24 year olds volunteered an average of 3 hours in 1998 versus 38% in 1995.
Volunteering is still more significant among women than men. Forty-nine percent (49%) of men reported volunteering, while for women the level approached 62%.
Race and Ethnicity
The percentage of African-American respondents who reported household contributions declined from 53% in 1995 to 52% in 1998. In contrast, the percentage of Hispanics reporting contributions increased from 57% in 1995 to almost 63%, but still did not reach its 1993 level of 65%. African-Americans and Hispanics had lower participation rates in household giving than white
respondents (75%). Among households that reported contributions, the average amount was $658 for African-Americans and $504 for Hispanics, compared to $1,174 for white respondents. Volunteering among African-Americans and Hispanics has risen. In 1998, almost 47% of African-Americans and 46% of Hispanics reported volunteering. In 1995, a smaller proportion of African-Americans (35%) and Hispanics (40%) volunteered.
Household Income and Level of Education
Household income has an effect on whether a household gives. As the level of income increased, more households reported contributions. Over 80% of households with an income of $50,000 or more per year reported contributions. While a lower percentage of low-income households reported household contributions when compared to more affluent households, they gave
a higher percentage of household income. In 1998, this gap appeared to be widening. Contributing households with incomes under $10,000 (26% of this group reported being retired) gave an average of
5.25% of their household income in 1998 (4.3% in 1995). The average percentage of household income given declined from 3.4% among households with $100,000 or more in 1995 to 2.2% in 1998.
