Attorney General James reports on charitable giving trends in 2023

December 3, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Attorney General Letitia James, whose 2024 “Pennies for Charity” report highlights the importance of informed giving and transparency in charitable donations. Photo: Mary Altaffer/AP

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Ahead of Giving Tuesday and the holiday season, Attorney General Letitia James released her annual “Pennies for Charity: Fundraising by Professional Fundraisers” report, which highlights trends in charitable donations and offers guidance for donors.

The report, based on 2023 data, found that New Yorkers contributed nearly $1.5 billion to charitable causes — a $5.8 million increase from 2022.

“New Yorkers have a proud tradition of giving, and they deserve to know that their hard-earned donations are being used responsibly,” said Attorney General James. “I encourage everyone to consult my office’s tips for charitable giving before making donations this holiday season. My office will continue to protect donors and support the critical work of nonprofit and charitable organizations across our state.”

The report analyzed 581 fundraising campaigns conducted by professional fundraisers in 2023. Among the findings, 46% of campaigns saw charities receive less than half of the funds raised, and 16 percent of campaigns ran at a loss, costing charities over $26 million—a sharp increase from $11 million in 2022.

Professional fundraisers, who are for-profit contractors hired to run campaigns, are required to register with the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau and disclose financial results. This transparency allows New Yorkers to make informed decisions about their contributions.

The report also offers tips for donors, such as verifying the legitimacy of charitable organizations and ensuring online campaigns are secure.

The report also offers practical advice for donors to ensure their contributions reach the intended causes. It encourages New Yorkers to ask critical questions when approached by telemarketers, verify the legitimacy of organizations in direct mail appeals, and thoroughly research online campaigns before donating.

Donors are advised to check for secure websites, confirm that charities have approved the use of their names in campaigns, and be cautious of email solicitations that may be phishing scams.