Online donors gave 38% more to charity and made 18.2% more gifts during the last week of 2017 than in the final week of 2016, according to an analysis by The Chronicle of Philanthropy in partnership with Network for Good, an online giving platform.
Online contributions reached their 2017 peak on New Year's Eve, with some 61,000 donations in the U.S. bringing in $14.4 million.
This fundraising bonanza came the same week President Donald Trump signed the tax overhaul, and may have had something to do with the gains, as many donors could expect to see major changes in their tax bills and the financial benefits they receive from giving, according to The Chronicle.
A report in November said that changes in Washington were prompting experienced donors to increase their charitable giving in 2017.
However, whether looming tax changes strongly influenced giving in December is hard to say, Walt Dryfoos, principal analyst for the vice president for advancement at the University of Washington, told The Chronicle. Washington raised $285 million more for a capital campaign in December than in the last month of 2016, but Dryfoos attributed this to such factors as an effective campaign and Seattle's booming economy.
According to the analysis, December was the most popular online giving month in 2017.
