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.
Some respondents believe that it is paramount to begin to better understand endowment giving and the overall benefits of long-term thinking. Endowments are not our way of life. We have not grown up in homes with trust funds or with the idea of only using the interest. It appears that most giving by African Americans goes to traditional organizations and causes. Several members of the fraternal organizations focus group indicated that their organization has been giving to the same causes for many years.