Are Georgians Too Selfish? Charitable Giving Survey Says Yes

Georgia may be known for its peaches and Southern hospitality, but when it comes to charitable giving, the numbers show something different. According to a recent report by WalletHub, Georgia ranked 28th in the nation for charitable giving, placing it in the bottom half of all U.S. states.

The findings contrast with the over $560 billion that Americans give to charity each year, revealing that while generosity flows in some states, it’s more of a trickle in others.

In fact, Georgia sits well below states like Wyoming, Utah, and Minnesota, which lead the rankings in both time and money donated to charity.

The Rankings: Here are the top 20 most charitable states.

Most Charitable States
1. Wyoming	11. Virginia
2. Utah	12. Illinois
3. Minnesota	13. New York
4. Maine	14. Iowa
5. Delaware	15. North Dakota
6. Maryland	16. Ohio
7. Oregon	17. Kansas
8. Colorado	18. Missouri
9. Pennsylvania	19. Montana
10. Nebraska	20. South Dakota

Just the Facts:

• Ranking: Georgia landed 28th in WalletHub’s annual report on the Most Charitable States.

• Top States: Wyoming, Utah, and Minnesota take the top spots, showing the strongest commitment to charitable causes.

Why It Matters Charitable giving is often seen as a reflection of community engagement, trust, and the spirit of generosity. WalletHub’s report shows that states with higher charitable activity often have stronger networks of support, both financially and in volunteer work.

For Georgia, a rank in the bottom half might signal a missed opportunity for communities to foster that network. Charitable actions, from donations to volunteer hours, play a critical role in supporting everything from food banks to educational programs, especially in areas that face economic challenges.

What You Can Do: We’re reaching the end of the year. In December, nonprofits and charitable organizations will be asking for donations. If you would like to improve the state’s giving rankings or work on being more giving, now is the time to think about donating to these organizations. Also, you can give outside of the holiday season and make giving a regular part of your life.