The U.S. is a giving nation.

In 2006, according to the Giving U.S.A. Foundation, individuals and businesses donated nearly $300 billion to charity, more than the GDP of all but 33 countries.

Eight in 10 American consumers say that support of charitable causes helps earn their loyalty to a store or a brand. This is particularly true of younger consumers, ages 18-25, who say they routinely research a company’s charitable giving and citizenship before deciding to buy.

Simply put, giving is good business. (more…)