Oregonians are Giving More to Charity, Study Shows

Salem-News.com

(PORTLAND – AP) - Oregonians are giving to charity in ever-increasing numbers, according to a new study from the Giving in Oregon Council.

In the early 1990s, Oregonians gave less per capita than people in most other states.

But Greg Chaille, the president of the Oregon Community Foundation, says donations from state residents just topped one billion dollars for the first time.

He says the state now ranks 15th in the nation for giving, and that studies also show Oregonians volunteer in large numbers as well.

Chaille says the recession of the early 2000s exposed more Oregonians to community problems and prompted them to donate.

The study is based on figures for 2003, and uses the latest-available tax figures released by the I-R-S.