'Francis Effect' Prompts Uptick in Giving, Study Says

SAINT LEO, FL – Pope Francis’ September visit to the United States did more than create headlines and traffic jams. It also warmed the hearts of many Americans, prompting them to open their wallets to help others.

That’s the conclusion researchers at Saint Leo University Polling Institute drew after conducting a study on America’s charitable giving habits.

While not everyone researchers surveyed said they opened their wallets to charity, many did. Of those surveyed, a total of 14.1 percent told pollsters they do not donate to charities, while 15.9 percent said they would end 2015 by giving less than they did in 2014. A majority of respondents, however, a whopping 61 percent, said they plan to give the same as last year or more.

Researchers also noted that Catholics were feeling particularly charitable this year. A total of 24.3 percent said they would give more in 2015 than 2014. About 46.6 percent of Catholics intended to give at least the same as in 2014.

Saint Leo’s poll was conducted between Nov. 29 and Dec. 3. A total of 531 adults in Florida were surveyed along with an additional 1,007 adults nationwide. The surveys were conducted using an online instrument, the university reported.

So, just what kind of an impact did Pope Francis have on respondents?

The study showed that 14.9 percent of respondents were motivated by Pope Francis to give as much or more than they did in 2014.

The pope’s popularity was also gauged in the poll with 70 percent of respondents saying they had a very or somewhat favorable opinion of him. In a September poll, Pope Francis’ favorability rating was at 75.8 percent. It dipped a bit in October to 66.4 percent, but grew again in time for the December poll.

“Clearly, the pope had the most influence on Catholics,” Dr. Marc Pugliese, Saint Leo University assistant professor of religion and theology in Virginia, was quoted in a media release as saying. “And Catholics already give; it is natural to their religion. And they were most influenced by the pope.”

In the national poll respondents who said they were inspired by Pope Francis indicated they would donate to:

• Environmental groups – 13 percent said they will give or give more
• Personal places of worship – 12.8 percent said they would give or give more
• Charities in general – 14.9 percent said they would give or give more
• Refugee/immigrant causes – 9.9 percent said they would give or give more
• Right to Life organizations – 12.2 percent said they would give or give more
• Human rights groups – 13.1 percent said they would give or give more

“People feel compelled to do something,” said Dr. Nancy Wood, Saint Leo University associate chair of human services, “whether that is donating money or donating time and volunteering.” Giving back brings people together, she added. “It’s helping my neighborhood out, getting back to the traditional ‘it takes a village.’”

The so-called “Francis Effect” is playing a role in charitable giving this year, Dr. Susan Kinsella, department chair of human services at Saint Leo University agreed.

“It is interesting that 70.9 percent of Catholics said they would give more or the same,” she said.

To find out more about the Saint Leo University Polling Institute, visit its website. The institute conducts polls on a regular basis on a variety of issues.

Photo courtesy of the Vatican Press Office