What percentage of non-profit charitable organizations are religious?

Question

It is often argued that there would be no charity if not for Christianity in America. I always respond, "Most charities are secular." Common sense tells me this. But is there really any proof?

Please, no matter what your answer, provide a verifiable/reliable source. Opinions are useless. I am seeking facts.

Answer 1

13 Percent

Answer 2

I don't know who makes that argument. I think typically it is made in terms of the historical precedent set in this country about giving to others being couched in a traditional religious setting, not that Christians are the only people helping others.

A few references for you:
National Center for Charitable Statistics - http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/tablewiz/tw_bmf.php
They have an online database where you can actually search through the registration records of millions of US charities. You can find out specific references for your question.

I also heard a news story on the radio while driving the other day, but didn't catch the reference. It was a study made over several years of tens of thousands of people, and concluded that "people of faith" give, on average, significantly more than other groups. Again, I didn't catch the reference on that one, but it was a recent study, so you might be able to Google something on that.

Answer 3

This is a report regarding the "independent sector", and by this I gather they mean "not-for-profit" organizations.

http://www.independentsector.org/PDFs/NAExecSum.pdf

The majority are health related, but I think you also must remember that many hospitals and health care providers are associated with some Christian organization. Hospital names that come to my mind all have a church name with them. "Santa Rosa" "Southeast Methodist Hospital" "Northwest Baptist.."

This is also not current, but it's what I found on a quick search. Interesting question. I'm curious to see what others say.