There needs to be a way to account for the giving of ourselves in service . The majority of participants responded that their giving was connected to causes with which they had personal affinity, primarily religion and education, in addition they are motivated to give back to causes that helped them personally. Health and human service and youth-oriented causes were also mentioned frequently, but only a few participants mentioned the arts or environmental causes. There was a strong affinity with giving to causes that appear to make a direct impact on people's lives. With the exception of United Way, respondents almost exclusively restricted their giving to African American organizations or causes.
Most respondents give primarily to local or regional charities.
Those that do contribute at a national level limit such contributions to 25 percent of their total giving. From the perspective of the faith community, the relationship with the pastor influences people's level of giving. If he or she is well liked, the giving will be higher. Any cause that will directly impact the quality of life for African Americans is important to me. Most respondents give to tangible causes for which they can see an immediate benefit.