Here’s a copy of the project we did for the OPRF Infant Welfare Society. Through our research, we discovered what motivates the community to donate, join, participate and engage with non-profit organizations, specifically seeking to understand why people give both locally and outside their community.

1. 1
The Live & Give Project
5.15.15
A Study of Charitable Giving
in Oak Park & River Forest

2. 2
1. To gain insight into the awareness, interest and perceptions of various community
organizations in the Oak Park River Forest area.
2. To understand what motivates the community to donate, join, participate and
engage with non-profit organizations, specifically seeking to understand why people
choose to give to organizations outside of the community as well as giving locally.
Purpose of the Research

3. 3
Who We Surveyed

4. 4
• Conducted a 15-20 minute online survey
- Fielded February/March, 2015
• 687 community members provided key data points to analyze
- Based on demographic information they provided a statistically significant sample
Methodology and Sample

5. 5
• 52,000 live in Oak Park (22,670 HH)
• 68% are White
• 54% Female
• Median HH Income $78,800
• Median age 39 years
http://www.census.gov/
Oak Park River Forest Population
• 11,210 live in River Forest (3,961 HH)
• 85% are White
• 53% Female
• Median HH Income $113,300
• Median age 41 years
Residents of Oak Park (N=539, 78%)
Residents of River Forest (N=148, 22%)

6. 6
We weighted on demographics to ensure
our sample reflected the actual population
54% 46%Gender
40% 20% 11% 16% 13%Age
68% 14% 18%Ethnicity
47% 12% 16% 26%Income
Female Male
20-39 40-49 50-54 55-64 65+
white black other
Less than $75,000 $75,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000+

7. 7
Key Takeaways

8. 8
Community takeaways
• Oak Park River Forest is a very giving community, 100% of our sample gave in some way
• Residents say they would like to donate even more, if they had more time/money
• Residents want to know more about organizations, particularly their needs and impact
• Sometimes all it takes is to ask
• Residents give more time locally than non-locally
• Residents give more money locally to kids-oriented organizations
• Residents believe that other communities need more help than their own
• Many don’t realize that local organizations also help those outside of the community
• Residents want to see proof that organizations are efficient and well-run

9. 9
Our Community Gives

10. 10
Oak Park River Forest is a very giving community
100%
of the sample
donated one way or
another…
91%
85%
donated money
donated time

11. 11
National Philanthropic Trust, 2013
The mean donation is $5,986 in Oak Park River Forest
compared to the national average of $2,974
2xUS average
Residents give an average of 4.3% of their income
compared to the Chicago average of 3.1%
1.4xChicago
Giving in Chicago 2013

12. 12
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
$1,000 or More
$500 or More
$100 or More
$25 or More
US Chicago OPRF
Oak Park and River Forest residents give more at every
donation level
Giving in Chicago 2013

13. 13
49% 25%85%
OPRF residents Chicagoans Americans
Giving in Chicago 2013
When it comes to time, Oak Park and River Forest
residents are much more giving
Gave Time
Didn’t Give Time

14. 14
Most of those who
volunteer said they give
time in more than one of
4 options provided
• Only 13% gave time in
just one of the four
ways
55%
52%
46%
26%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Raised money Provided expertise Directly provided service Committee or Board
%ofThosewhoVolunteeredTime
How Time is Volunteered
Attended a fundraiser
Residents typically volunteer their time in more ways
than one
Time Local only

15. 15
People of lowest income bracket are slightly less likely to
be on a committee or board than the highest income
bracket
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Less than $75,000 $75,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 or more
Provided expertise Committee or Board Directly provided service Raise money / Attended Fundraiser

16. 16
Everyone Gives
Regardless of Geography,
Income, or Age

17. 17
Regardless of zip code, most everyone donates
money
Giving is commonplace in
every neighborhood
Proportion who donate money by zip code
RIVER
FOREST
91%
give
OAK PARK
90% give
94% give

18. 18
Regardless of zip code, most everyone donates
money
Giving is commonplace in
every neighborhood
Proportion who donate money by zip code
Median:
$2,000
Mean:
$7,618
Median:
$800
Mean:
$2,274
Median:
$1,000
Mean:
$6,885

19. 19
Residents of all income levels give
Lower income levels tend to give a larger proportion of their income
6.4%
4.8%
4.3%
3.7%
0.0%
1.0%
2.0%
3.0%
4.0%
5.0%
6.0%
7.0%
Less than $75,000 $75,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 or more
% of Income Donated
Income level and total donation
4.3%
Average

20. 20
Donation size increases with age
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
20-39 40-49 50-54 55-64 65+
Penetration of Money and Time by Age
% Who Donated Money % Who Volunteered Time
Volunteering time peaks in the 40s and early 50s
All age groups are giving, but donation amounts
increase with age
$500
$2,000
$1,300
$2,000
$3,500
0%
1%
2%
3%
4%
5%
6%
7%
8%
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
20-39 40-49 50-54 55-64 65+
Median Annual Total Donations and
Percent of Income Donated by Age
Total donation Percent of Income

21. 21
How Much Stays
in Our Community?

22. 22
84% Gave
Money Locally
$500 Median
Donation
82% Gave
Money Non-
Locally
$500 Median
Donation
Oak Park River Forest donates outside and within the
community with a fairly even split

23. 23
In OPRF, the same
amount stays in the
community as is donated
outside the community
Giving in Chicago 2013
A lower share of dollars stayed local in Oak Park
River Forest compared to Chicago
49%
Oak Park
River Forest
78%
Chicago
Percent Dollars that Stay in the community
Percent Dollars that leave the community

24. 24
Only
Time
6%
Only
Time
7%
Both
48%
Only
Money
35%
Only
Money
17%
Both
68%
82% Money
55% Time
84% Money
73% Time
While money is split evenly, time is volunteered more
locally
Local Giving Non-Local Giving
Less than 10% give only time without giving some money

25. 25
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
20-39 40-49 50-54 55-64 65+
% Who Donate by Age
Residents of all ages give locally and non-locally
Donated Money Locally
Donated Money Non-Locally

26. 26
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
20-39 40-49 50-54 55-64 65+
Median Annual Contributions by Age
At around age 55, people start giving a much larger
share locally
Local Donation
Non-Local Donations
Even though fewer
people ages 50-54 are
donating – those who
do are giving more
than younger cohorts.

27. 27
Where We Choose to Give

28. 28
ANIMAL WELFARE, such as animal
rights, wildlife conservations
BASIC NEEDS, such as reducing hunger,
homelessness, and unemployment
HEALTH, MEDICAL, & SCIENCE, such as hospitals,
mental health organizations, nursing homes,
hospices, clinics, societies, and medical research
HUMAN SERVICES, such as daycare, foster care,
elderly care, family counseling, and consumer
protection
FOUNDATIONS, which include organizations that
have the abilities to provide support to different
types of nonprofit organizations
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, after-school programs,
mentoring, and self-enhancement

29. 29
EDUCATION, such as elementary schools,
secondary or higher education, and libraries
RELIGION, such as churches, synagogues,
convents, seminaries, and mosques
DISASTER & RELIEF, such as development and
relief services, and international peace
PUBLIC OR SOCIETAL BENEFIT, such as civil rights,
minority and women’s equity issues, and
social action
ENVIRONMENT, such as environmental protection
and conservation
ARTS, CULTURE, & HUMANITIES, such as performing
arts, museums, public radio, and cultural groups

30. 30
Compared to Chicago and the U.S., Oak Park and River
Forest prioritizes monetary donations towards Education
Local and non-local donations Money
OPRF
Chicago
US
Giving in Chicago 2013
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Health, Medical & Science
Religion
Basic Needs
Education
% Who give $ to causes

31. 31
Across all categories, residents give
more money than time
Local and non-local donations
Money
Time
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Animal Welfare
Foundations
Human Services
Health, Medical & Science
Youth Development
Education
Religion
Basic Needs
% of People Who Donate $ and Time
Education, Basic Needs, and
Religion have the highest
penetration of financial
donors
Education has the most
volunteers

32. 32
Basic Needs, Religion and Education have
the highest penetration of financial donors
Local and non-local donations
Money
Time
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Animal Welfare
Foundations
Human Services
Health, Medical & Science
Youth Development
Education
Religion
Basic Needs
% of People Who Donate $ and Time

33. 33
Education has the most volunteers
Local and non-local donations
Money
Time
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Animal Welfare
Foundations
Health, Medical & Science
Human Services
Youth Development
Basic Needs
Religion
Education
% of People Who Donate $ and Time

34. 34
20 to 39 years 40 to 49 years 50 to 54 years 55 to 64 years 65 and over
Basic Needs
(64%)
Education
(94%)
Education
(86%)
Basic Needs
(81%)
Religion
(80%)
Education
(57%)
E
(86%)
Basic Needs
(75%)
Education
(75%)
Basic Needs
(76%)
Health
(50%)
Basic Needs
(78%)
Development
(68%)
Religion
(70%)
Education
(66%)
Education isn’t #1 for everyone – age
drives shifting priorities
• Basic Needs is a
top priority
throughout
lifespan
• Education peaks
in middle age
alongside Youth
Development
• Religion increases
in priority for those
55 and over
% who give money or time, local or non-local
#1
#2
#3 BASIC NEEDS
EDUCATION
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
RELIGION
RELIGIONEDUCATION
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
BASIC NEEDS
BASIC NEEDS
BASIC NEEDS
BASIC NEEDS
HEALTH, MED, & SCIENCE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

35. 35
Where We Choose to Give
Local vs. Non-local

36. 36
Locally, Religion and Education
receive the most donations Money
Both
Time
Local donations N= 652
6%
12%
18%
21%
23%
25%
19%
18%
4%
3%
6%
8%
15%
17%
25%
33%
3%
1%
2%
1%
11%
9%
9%
4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Foundations
Animal Welfare
Health, Medical, & Science
Human Services
Youth Development
Basic Needs
Education
Religion
Percent of residents who give locally

37. 37
Money
Both
Time
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Religion
Percent of residents who give locally
Gave both Money and Time
Gave only TimeGave only Money
Chart Guide
Local donations N= 652

38. 38
59%
43%
23%
64%
58%
72%
49%
41%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Youth Development Human Services Animal Welfare Education Religion Basic Needs Health, Medical, &
Science
Foundations
Local and non-local giving
% who gave non-locally only % who gave locally and non-locally % who gave locally only % who gave to cause (money or time, local or non-local)
Comparing local to non-local giving, organizations that
benefit children and animals attract more local giving
While giving to Health and Foundations, much more goes outside of the community
Local and non-local donations Money and Time

39. 39
How Much We Give Locally

40. 40
The number of people who give is not always in
line with how much they give
$325
$813
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
$1,000
Foundations Animal Welfare Health, Medical, &
Science
Average Human Services Youth Development Basic Needs Education Religion
Median Donation Penetration
Local donations Money
While fewer are giving to
Health, those that do
give larger amounts
While many people are
giving to Education, Basic
Needs, Youth Development
and Human Services, the
amounts tends to be smaller

41. 41
Breakouts of monetary amounts differ across causes as well
A quarter of yearly donations to Religion were $2,500 or more,
Next in line were Health, Human Services, and Foundations
50%
66%
38%
38%
54%
37%
31%
21%
50%
33%
61%
59%
41%
58%
58%
55%
0%
1%
1%
3%
5%
5%
10%
24%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Youth Development
Animal Welfare
Education
Basic Needs
Foundations
Human Services
Health, Medical, & Science
Religion
Donation Sizes
less than $100 $100-$2,499 $2,500+
Less than $100
$100-$2,499
$2,500+
Local donations Time and Money

42. 42
Breakouts of monetary amounts differ across causes as well
A quarter of yearly donations to Religion were $2,500 or more,
Next in line were Health, Human Services, and Foundations
50%
66%
38%
38%
54%
37%
31%
21%
50%
33%
61%
59%
41%
58%
58%
55%
0%
1%
1%
3%
5%
5%
10%
24%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Youth Development
Animal Welfare
Education
Basic Needs
Foundations
Human Services
Health, Medical, & Science
Religion
Donation Sizes
less than $100 $100-$2,499 $2,500+
Less than $100
$100-$2,499
$2,500+
Local donations Time and Money
Over 50% of
donations to
Foundations and
Animal Welfare
are under $100

43. 43
Why We Give
Locally vs. Non-Locally

44. 44
“I give to both local and
national, sometimes
international. In most
situations, I feel happier
about giving local.”
-OPRF resident

45. 45
Residents’ attitudes reflect their giving nature
And they do not prefer big, national organizations over local ones
Half or more strongly agree with the following statements Half or more strongly disagree with the following statements
Strongly agree is top 3 box (8-10 on 10pt scale)
Strongly disagree is bottom 3 box (1-3 on 10pt scale)
“I care very passionately about certain
charitable causes.”
“I feel it is just as important to volunteer my time
to worthy causes as it is to donate money.”
“I would like to be able to donate more money
to charities and organizations,
but I cannot afford to do so.”
“People should take responsibility of their own lives
and economic well-being, and not expect other
people to help.”
“I prefer to support large, nationally-run organizations
over locally-run community organizations.”
“Bigger, well-known charities tend to be run better
and more efficiently than smaller, local charities.”

46. 46
Those who donate money locally are
more passionate about causes
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
I care passionately
about causes
I feel my time is as
important as money
I cant afford to
donate
I decide where to
donate based on
cause not location
I would rather
donate to small
charities
I make a point of
remembering to
support local
I tell my friends and
family about orgs to
support
I am involved in
supporting local
nonprofit orgs
Charities should
focus on home
rather than abroad
Im concerned
about effective use
of donation
I dont have time to
donate
Attitudes about Giving (% Top 3 Box)
Gave Locally
Didn’t give Locally
Money Only

47. 47
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%
Local orgs have plenty of resources
Easier to volunteer near work
Not interested in local orgs
Regional or national make bigger impact
Friends or family not involved
Regional or national better reflect my interests
Outside communities need it more
Local taxes are too high
No one has asked
Involved in another community (used to live)
Percent Agreement
When they do give non-locally, 4 reasons rise to the top:
ties to where they used to live, no one has asked, taxes
are too high and other communities need it more
Top 3 box

48. 48
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%
Local orgs have plenty of resources
Easier to volunteer near work
Not interested in local orgs
Regional or national make bigger impact
Friends or family not involved
Regional or national better reflect my interests
Outside communities need it more
Local taxes are too high
No one has asked
Involved in another community (used to live)
Percent Agreement
Among those who donate more non-locally than they
do locally, belief in greater need outside the community
is the top barrier – followed by no one asking
Everyone
Those who donate
more non-locally
Top 3 box

49. 49
Why We Give

50. 50
Motivations to Giving
We asked people why they choose to give to organizations, across a series of 25
statements. If a respondent gave both locally and non-locally, we randomly
chose one local organization and one non-local cause to ask about.

51. 51
Their answers revealed 7 primary motivations to giving.
I donate to or am involved with this organization/cause because…
Miscellaneous Item: It allowed me to carry on tradition
I could Participate & Interact
I could put my talents to use
I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of ways
I got the opportunity to meet people
I could interact directly with those who needed help
I could see the results of my involvement firsthand
It allowed me to be a role model for others
It broadened my experiences and perspective on life
I could Be Social
I got to go to fun events
They made it enjoyable to give my time or money
I got to spend time with friends and family that also
participated
It allowed me to Feel Good About Self
It made me feel good about myself
It made me feel less selfish
I was in the spirit of giving
I felt as if I was repaying others for all they had done for me
or those I love
There was a Personal Benefit to Me
It gave me stature in the community
It provided me with the opportunity to network
Escape my own issues
I was Asked
I was asked to give or participate by the organization
I was asked to give or participate by someone I know
I could Connect to Something Bigger
It made me feel like I’m part of a community
It connected me to an organization that is well-known and
well-regarded
I could Make an Impact
It fulfilled my desire to make a positive impact on society
It connected me to a cause that’s near and dear to my
heart
It allowed me to provide relief in times of need

52. 52
That align themselves around 2 dimensions
Externally
Motivated
Internally
Motivated
We factor analyzed the
25 individual motive
statements and
uncovered 7
motivational factors that
align themselves around
two key dimensions.
Actively participate or (ENGAGE) vs. alleviate a negative or (PROVIDE RELIEF)
Motivated by INTERNAL needs or desires vs. EXTERNAL ones (motivated for or by others)
Engage
Provide Relief

53. 53
Motives for Giving
Externally
Motivated
Internally
Motivated
Engage
There was
a Personal
Benefit to
Me
I could
Participate
& Interact
It allowed
me to Feel
Good
About
Myself
I could
Connect
to
Something
Bigger
I could
Make an
Impact
I
Was Asked
I could
Be Social
Provide Relief

54. 54
Looking through the lens of Motives for Giving also
reveals key insights to local vs. non-local giving as
well as time vs. money
Externally
Motivated
Internally
Motivated
Engage
There was
a Personal
Benefit to
Me
I could
Participate
& Interact
It allowed
me to Feel
Good
About
Myself
I could
Connect
to
Something
Bigger
I could
Make an
Impact
I
Was Asked
I could
Be Social
Provide Relief
Generally
speaking, the
motives in the
upper hemisphere
drive time while
those in the lower
drive money
But there are
exceptions when
it comes to local vs.
non-local

55. 55
Allowing people to put their talents to use is a large
motivator for giving time locally and non-locally
Externally
Motivated
Internally
Motivated
Engage
TIME
I could Participate & Interact Local Local Non Non
$ Time $ Time
I could put my talents to use 5% 56% 20% 57%
I could see the results of my involvement firsthand 18% 43% 12% 37%
It broadened my experiences and perspective on life 14% 26% 18% 51%
I got the opportunity to meet people 6% 33% 19% 24%
I could interact directly with those who needed help 8% 23% 18% 29%
It allowed me to be a role model for others 6% 17% 16% 23%
I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of ways 10% 17% 16% 21%
Provide Relief
I could
Participate
& Interact

56. 56
The social aspect also drives time, but at a local
level
Externally
Motivated
Internally
Motivated
Engage
I could Be Social Local Local Non Non
$ Time $ Time
I got to go to fun events 15% 26% 8% 18%
They made it enjoyable to give my time or money 17% 42% 31% 32%
I got to spend time with friends and family that also participated 14% 32% 16% 19%
LOCAL
TIME
Provide Relief
I could
Be Social

57. 57
Being asked by the organization drives giving money (local
and non-local), whereas being asked by a friend drives
time locally, money non-local
Externally
Motivated
Internally
Motivated
Engage
I was Asked Local Local Non Non
$ Time $ Time
I was asked to give or participate by the organization 31% 24% 29% 21%
I was asked to give or participate by someone I know 29% 35% 28% 19%Provide Relief
I
Was Asked

58. 58
Externally
Motivated
Internally
Motivated
Engage
I could Connect to Something Bigger Local Local Non Non
$ Time $ Time
It made me feel like I’m part of a community 23% 33% 34% 37%
It connected me to an organization that is well-known and well-regarded 26% 23% 25% 25%
Feeling connected to something bigger motivates giving both
time and money, local and non-local
Provide Relief
I could
Connect
to
Something
Bigger

59. 59
Externally
Motivated
Internally
Motivated
Engage
I could
Make an
Impact
NON-LOCAL $LOCAL TIME
I could Make an Impact Local Local Non Non
$ Time $ Time
It fulfilled my desire to make a positive impact on society 35% 58% 55% 56%
It connected me to a cause that’s near and dear to my heart 32% 49% 50% 31%
It allowed me to provide relief in times of need 16% 22% 35% 22%
Feeling connected to a cause drives volunteering time locally,
but donating money non-locally
Provide Relief

60. 60
Giving money to non-local organizations is a way
people feel good about themselves
Externally
Motivated
Internally
Motivated
Engage
NON-LOCAL
$
It allowed me to Feel Good About Myself Local Local Non Non
$ Time $ Time
I was in the spirit of giving 25% 25% 44% 27%
It made me feel good about myself 19% 22% 33% 16%
I felt as if I was repaying others for all they had done for me or those I love 15% 10% 22% 16%
It made me feel less selfish 9% 12% 17% 9%
Provide Relief
It allowed
me to Feel
Good
About
Myself

61. 61
Having the opportunity to network is a driver for volunteering time
Few admit having stature in the community motivates them
Externally
Motivated
Internally
Motivated
Engage
There was
a Personal
Benefit to
Me
TIME
Provide Relief
There was a Personal Benefit to Me Local Local Non Non
$ Time $ Time
It gave me stature in the community 1% 3% 2% 8%
It provided me with the opportunity to network 8% 19% 9% 23%
Escape my own issues 1% 9% 1% 7%

62. 62
What Would Get Us to Give
More (in our words)

63. 63
As a local resident, I would give more if…
1. If I was asked
“Simple, clearly written appeals”
2. If an organization’s principles aligned with my own
“I'm a big animal welfare advocate…”
3. If I knew what impact my donation would make
“The magnitude of the impact that my donation
of time, talent and/or treasure can make. I want
to make an impact and I want to see the needle
moved.”
4. If I knew the needs of the organization
“Specific tasks that need to be done”
Qualitative, free response, ranked by most popular
5. If I was confident the organization was well-
managed and efficiently used their resources
“Transparency of how money is used”
6. If I was able to get involved with friends and family
“Family friendly opportunities to do with children”
7. If local organizations were more consolidated or
coordinated
“I'd like to see more coordinated efforts between
local organizations to reduce inefficiency and
create more cohesive support services coverage.”

64. 64
“Simple, clearly written appeals”
“A catalogue of local charitable options might be nice.”
“Profile stories in the community news about successes, challenges, needs”
“Perhaps [organizations in] Oak Park and River Forest should develop a potential list of
donors to contact.”
“I follow many local orgs on Facebook, but few (if any) ever post about volunteer
opportunities.”
“This organization does it well. They have a compelling story and metrics for everything. We
need to hear more stories of need and of impact.”
1

65. 65
“I'm a big animal welfare advocate…”
“Finding something of personal interest to me” or “that I am passionate about”
“Organizations that provide direct service to children...”
“…that work for my political or philosophical beliefs”
“…that are working to connect climate justice with their services, programs, education.”
2

66. 66
“The magnitude of the impact that my donation of time, talent and/or
treasure can make. I want to make an impact and I want to see the needle
moved.”
“If I knew where the money went,” saw “visible stories of impact,” or heard “testimonials -
not only numbers.”
“Seeing an impact. This is why I volunteer more locally but give more money to
organizations that are further… I see a direct impact coming from my time investment, and
that is more meaningful to me.”
“If they actually helped to make changes in policy and implementation that resulted in
social and environmental benefits to people and the planet instead of marketing
themselves and just holding ‘fundraisers.’”
“Quantify how the money serves the community. Some organizations communicate their
client services very well. Some of the others don't explain what $100 will provide.”
3

67. 67
“Specific tasks that need to be done”
“Although my time is limited, I might be willing to volunteer if I new what kind of help was
needed by various organizations.”
“Having more information about their needs”
“Awareness of specific opportunities or expertise that might be needed for local
organizations to see if it matched my areas of interest or expertise.”
• “I am an IT architect and would be willing to donate IT services (time), but it's not
easy to find an organization with those needs.”
• “More organizations utilizing the skills I have (professional counseling) instead of
asking for money or using me to solicit money in the community.”
4

68. 68
“Transparency of how money is used”
“External validation of organizational impact”
“If the group has a track record/reputation of successfully assisting those most in need.”
“I like to see all organizations operating efficiently. It is important that operating costs not
be excessive.”
5

69. 69
“Family friendly opportunities to do with children”
“I like events, where I can meet people and talk to those involved about the organization.”
“I give to organizations where I have a personal connection or have friends that are
personally connected.”
“Personal connection as a volunteer, personal connection with the people served by the
organization”
“I think if I could volunteer with a friend initially, it would help motivate me.”
6

70. 70
“I'd like to see more coordinated efforts between local organizations to
reduce inefficiency and create more cohesive support services coverage.”
“From my perspective, OPRF agencies are so splintered that I don't think they are
maximizing resources. So many agencies have similar--yet disjointed--goals and missions,
there seems to be a lot of room for working together and creating a bigger impact.”
“There are too many organizations at the local level and one cannot give to all. Members
in community are made to feel guilty if they do not participate and help all.”
7

71. 71
Additional Information
on Survey Respondents

72. 72
78%
6%
16%
Device used to take Survey
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
email from OPRF
community
foundation, IWS,
or children's
clinic
email from
friend/neighbor
email from
another org
picked up a
flyer or postcard
saw link on
social media
heard about
different way
saw the link on a
website
attended a
fundraising
event
saw the link on a
poster
#ofRespondents
How found out about survey
Most took the survey on a computer and in
response to emails and flyers
Computer
Tablet
Mobile

73. 73
High School
Graduate
0%
Some
College
5%
College
Graduate
26%
Some
Postgraduat
e
10%
Masters
Degree
40%
Doctorate,
law,
professional
degree
19%
Unweighted
About half work full-time, almost all hold college degrees
and a third work in Chicago
Employment type Education Level
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
In OPRF
outside of
home
Chicago At home in
OPRF
Other
Suburb
Other
Where they work
I do not
work
22%
I work
part-time
24%
I work
full-time
54%
N= 461

74. 74
No
5%
Yes
95%
Is OPRF Your Primary Residence?
No
78%
Yes
22%
Have another residence outside OPRF?
*
*Those who have another residence spend an average
of 9.8 months per year in OPRF
Oak Park
78%
River
Forest
22%
OP vs. RF
Three quarters of respondents live in Oak Park,
the other quarter in River Forest
Roughly one quarter have another residence outside of the community
Unweighted

75. 75
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Read through your mail Use social media like
Facebook or Twitter
Read The local
newspaper
Read newsletters that
you receive in The mail
Go to The websites of
local organizations
Attend local events Read Mom-mail
At least weekly Monthly At least once a year Less than once a year or never
Respondents read their mail, use social media,
and read the local newspaper

76. 76
The Live and Give Study was brought to you by the
helpful voices of Oak Park and River Forest and…
In conjunction with the above, the study creation, recruitment, analysis, and
presentation brought to you by Halverson Group. Located in the heart of
Oak Park, The Halverson Group are experts in human behavior. They deliver
innovative, actionable solutions that work in the real world and help their
partners understand the marketplace.
The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation focuses its efforts in
strengthening the community through philanthropy. They are leaders in
legacy grant making, endowment fund management, and training
assistance to nonprofits.

77. 77
When citing findings from this research, please use
the following citation:
The 2015 Live and Give Project, conducted by
Halverson Group and supported by The Oak Park &
River Forest Community Foundation

78. 78
Thank You