U.S. Household Disaster Giving in 2017 and 2018

Abstract

In 2017 and 2018, the U.S. experienced the first- and fourth-most costly years of major natural disasters on record. In the two years combined, the country was affected by 30 natural disasters that each caused more than $1 billion in damage. After a major disaster occurs, individuals usually respond quickly with an outpouring of generosity. Much, however, remains unknown about the patterns, preferences, and practices of individuals’ charitable giving for disaster aid efforts. For example, how many Americans donate to disaster aid, and how much do they give? Does giving to disaster aid come at the expense of giving to other causes? What are the main drivers of disaster giving? After disasters, to what extent do people donate online through social media and crowdfunding platforms in addition to traditional ways of donating? Based on new data on U.S. households’ disaster giving in 2017 and 2018, this analysis from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, Candid, and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy answers these questions.