Corporate Giving: Part II

For decades, average giving from individuals in America has hovered around 2% of their income. This number is small relative to the 10% tithe discussed in scripture, yet, corporate giving is worse.

The CECP, a nonprofit that tracks corporate giving, highlighted in their “2015 Giving in Numbers” report that the median giving of 271 of the largest companies in America was only .82% of net profits. Of that paltry number, gifts to religious organizations are virtually nonexistent.

Our corporations claim they care about our communities in their advertisements, yet their level of giving says differently.

Proverbs 11:25 teaches, “The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.” Generosity breeds generosity. Marking a portion of sales for others shifts the perspective surrounding all profit. It encourages a generosity of the spirit, which will manifest in more than simply money donation. In the long run, a generous heart is always filled again, whereas a greedy heart ends up empty.

As another verse found in Matthew 6:21 reminds us “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." The more of your treasure you place in the hands of the Lord, the more of your heart will belong to him in the end.

The CECP study also reveals that generous corporations are more profitable. Let’s encourage the corporations we’re involved with to increase giving.

Questions For Reflection

• What is your treasure? When you sit and think over your life and work, what would you define as your treasure? What among your belongings has been given to you? In what ways have you benefited from another’s generosity?
• Where does your treasure reside? Do you feel you are storing up your treasure on earth or with the Lord?