ALBANY – New Yorkers were more charitable last year than in 2022, according to Pennies for Charity, an annual report from the state’s Office of the Attorney General that analyzes charitable fundraising campaigns.

Often touted as a “global generosity movement,” Giving Tuesday encourages people to give back in whatever capacity they can. It’s likely the report from the AG’s office sets a benchmark for New Yorkers looking to give, and that was evident Tuesday in Albany.

“Any time you can give back to the community that we’re involved in, it’s a great thing,” said Victoria Donnelly, who was one of more than a dozen volunteers joining Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany for its Welcome Table.

“Often, people don’t get a chance to go to restaurant who struggle with food insecurity,” explained Sr. Betsy Van Deusen. “It gives them a little chance to feel what it’s like to go to a restaurant.”

What You Need To Know

  • Charitable giving by New Yorkers increased by about $6 million in 2023 compared to the previous year

  • For-profit fundraisers kept nearly a fifth of the funds raised for their nonprofit clients

  • In 16% of campaigns, expenses exceeded revenue, costing charities more than $26 million

Donnelly and her colleagues from Coldwell Banker Prime Properties served up some warm, homemade chicken parm.

“It sort of makes you understand the bigger picture of the world around you,” Donnelly said. “We get so caught up in our lives and there is so much need. And the need is only getting greater and greater, we all feel that.”

New Yorkers appear to be recognizing the growing need with charitable giving across the state increasing by nearly $6 million last year.

“I just read the AG’s report yesterday, and 1 in 10 children in New York are hungry,” Van Deusen said. “That’s really problematic for me, and it should be problematic for all of us.”

The report also broke down how charities and fundraisers fared once the t's were crossed and the i's dotted. Looking at 581 campaigns conducted by professional fundraisers, charities received 83% of all donations, with expenses outpacing the revenue for 16% of those campaigns, costing them more than $26 million.

“A lot of the resources come in during November and December, but the truth is, we’re here 365 days of the year,” Van Deusen explained.

So while organizers appreciate the flood of contributions during the holiday season, they say the impact of giving back can be felt year-round.

“You feel like you’ve done something, you don’t feel like your life is empty,” said Mary Bryant, another Catholic Charities volunteer. “You’ve helped other people and hopefully – all of us at one time or another need help – somebody will turn around and help us when we need it.”

The AG’s office also highlighted some tips for donors. They include:

  • If you are contacted by a telemarketer, ask questions to make an informed decision
  • If you receive a direct mail charitable appeal, verify the soliciting organization
  • If you are donating online, do your research first
  • When donating online, make sure the website is secure

More tips and information can be found on the AG’s website.