Twokin Consulting: Insights from a detailed study on philanthropy in Florida

In 2022, The Florida Nonprofit Alliance and the Jessie Ball duPont Fund coordinated a detailed study of philanthropy and giving in the state of Florida. As Florida is the third most populous and diverse state in the United States, the data and results are applicable for nonprofits from around the country. Twokin Consulting review of the report highlights that nonprofits need to recognize that donor generosity is more than just money. For example, the Milliken Institute highlights the 5 T’s of philanthropy on how donors can support a nonprofit include time, talent, treasure, ties, and testimony

Other sample highlights that Twokin Consulting found interesting include:

• There were over 94,000 nonprofit organization in the state of Florida in 2019, with revenues of over $105 billion. These nonprofits employed 630,000 Floridians.

• Almost 70% of household in Florida made charitable contribution in 2021.

• Over 80% indicated that their motivation for giving was because they felt compassion toward people in need.

• Religious organizations receive 29 percent of all charitable contributions, followed by basic needs such as food and clothing donations (14 percent), education (13 percent), and health organizations (11 percent).

• Florida households donated an average of $1,035. High-net worth household donated an average of $15,294.

• Over half (56) percent of Florida households volunteered in 2021. Thirty percent participated in food-based volunteering opportunites (e.g., collecting, preparing, distributing food), followed by fundraising (23 percent), and then tutoring or teaching (21 percent).

• Donors are more likely to be older, married, and religious.

The top five issues that matter most to Floridians were:

Top Five Issues for Giving (from the report)

The below table highlights some of the reasons that Floridians stop donating to a charity:

Top Reasons People Stop Giving to a Nonprofit (from the report)

While the reasons for ceasing to donate shows much commonality between age groups, it also highlights several key differences. Overall, nonprofits need to be diligent in highlighting their impact and financial stewardship. Similarly, it is vital to acknowledge the range of donor contributions (the 5 T’s) to ensure their future commitment.

The report from the full study is available here.

Twokin Consulting specializes in helping supporting colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations in brainstorming strategies and ideas for improving operations.