How Generous are Johnston Residents When It Comes to Giving?

Residents in Johnston are more giving than those in most U.S. cities, according to a new study by The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Johnston residents gave a total of $14.3 million to charities in 2011 and ranked 1,621st among 11,522 cities nationwide in charitable contributions.

The six-month-long study of data and on-the-ground reporting, “How America Gives,” ranked the generosity of  the 50 states and every zip code in America.

The data for Johnston shows a median contribution of $2,751 and median discretionary income of $68,708. The percent of income given was 4 percent. That’s based on 3,945 tax returns.

By income level, here’s how Johnston residents gave:

• $50,000 - $99,999, 4/9% (average contribution, $1,778; average discretionary income, $36,216; number of tax returns, 1,622)
• $100,000 - $199,999, 3.9% (average contribution, $3,210; average discretionary income, $83,075; number of tax returns, 1,737)
• $200,000 and up, 4% (average contribution, $10,038; average discretionary income, $248,491; number of tax returns, 586)

The study found that giving often depends on politics and policies. In Iowa, for example, individuals and businesses contributing community foundation endowments can use 25 percent of the gift to offset state taxes. Still, Iowa ranked 33rd in 51 states and territories.

People and businesses in Iowa contribution to community foundation endowments can use 25 percent of the gift to offset state taxes. The combination of the credit and the federal charitable tax deduction means that someone in the highest tax bracket would pay just 40 cents for every donated dollar.

Total contributions in Iowa were $1 billion, with a median contribution of $2,190.

The Des Moines metro area as a whole ranked 84th of 366 metro areas, with total contributions of $264 million. In the Des Moines metro area, other selected communities ranked as follows:

• Des Moines, No. 247, with total giving of $65.1 million
• West Des Moines, No. 456, with total giving of 44.5 million
• Urbandale, No. 602, with total giving of $35.2 million
• Ankeny, No. 880, with total giving of $26.1 million
• Waukee, No. 2,128, with total giving of $10.5 million

Among the major findings of the study:

• The most generous residents are in the Deep South. The stingiest are in New England states.
• Residents in middle-class neighborhoods give a higher percentage of their discretionary income annually than do residents in affluent neighborhoods.
• Nonprofits and charities are pressured s government budgets shrink, and more individuals nationwide are digging deeper into their own pockets to help their neighbors.
• Utah is the most generous state, while New Hampshire is the stingiest.
• Salt Lake City tops the cities list – largely a sign of the power of Mormon tithing rules.
• Providence, RI, is rock bottom – likely a result of high unemployment and dwindling industry.
• Rich people who live in wealthy, relatively homogeneous enclaves (think Newton, MA) give a smaller share of their incomes to charity than rich people who live in diverse communities (Cambridge, MA).
• People who live in politically conservative, "red states" are more generous than those in liberal or "blue states."

The study is based on exact dollar amounts released by the Internal Revenue Service showing the value of charitable deductions claimed by American taxpayers.