SUMMARY OF THE SHOW
Today, we continue our look back at charities we have highlighted in past shows.
Charities tackle some of society’s most complex and intractable issues --- such as combating hunger, educating children, providing clean water to those without, preserving the environment, curing diseases and bringing awareness to issues facing the less fortunate. There is perhaps no harder problem than how to meet the very simple needs of the world’s poorest. But charities are also at work right here in the U.S.
Nonprofits contribute to every community in America. Some programs started by nonprofits—including libraries, local schools, fire stations (many of which still use volunteers), and parks—have been expanded by government, enabling the broader community to enjoy their benefits. Charitable organizations have also been the partners through which government effectively and efficiently delivers services such as early childhood education programs, health clinics, drug counseling, and after school programs.
Few people realize how large charities have become, how many vital services they provide, and how much funding flows through them each year. Without charities and non-profits, America would simply not be able to operate. Their operations are so big that during 2015, total giving was more than $373.25 Billion, according to “Giving USA 2016: The Annual Report on Philanthropy”.
