Atlanta 5th most generous big city (Lake City: ranking, cities, places)

[arjay57]

This is fascinating:

Generosity in America's 50 Biggest Cities: a Ranking

For much more detail about philanthropy in the U.S.:

How America Gives - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

[10 feet tall]

Not surprising that the most generous cities have a high percentage of religious (Christian/Mormon) residents, since I suspect that most giving is to churches. Salt Lake City, Memphis, Birmingham, Atlanta, etc. These places have high concentrations of evangelical Christians and fundamentalist Mormons.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by 10 feet tall

Not surprising that the most generous cities have a high percentage of religious (Christian/Mormon) residents, since I suspect that most giving is to churches. Salt Lake City, Memphis, Birmingham, Atlanta, etc. These places have high concentrations of evangelical Christians and fundamentalist Mormons.

I think you meant to say "mainstream Mormons." The contributions of fundamentalist Mormons would be a drop in the bucket.

[ATLTJL]

I'm not sure how to make heads or tails of the giving to religious institutions.

Though I will say that when you look at how many beneficial programs are backed by relgious groups, you can argue that often religious giving does come back to the community. Of course, not all churches, temples, etc. give back to the community equally, but I was pretty surprised to learn just how many public services are funded by religious organizations.