An editorial from The Exponent Telegram
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — In a state where far too many residents are in desperate need of assistance to get by, charitable giving has dropped for the second straight year.
That’s according to Philanthropy West Virginia, a statewide leadership organization that assists private, family, corporate and community foundations and grant-making institutions.
In its 2015 West Virginia State of Philanthropy Report, the group says that according to tax data, charitable giving dropped 2.2 percent in 2013, which is the last year for which full data is available.
That amounts to about a $10.4 million decrease in aid to worthwhile organizations that use the money to help others secure a variety of needs. It is also about $17 million less than was given in 2011.
West Virginia’s trend goes against the national norm, as across the country charitable giving was up 5.4 percent…
