No Vision for Church: People Tithing Less to Local Body

Charitable giving to universities, hospitals, and arts institutions is rising, while giving to churches and social service organizations is flat.

That's the latest from the Giving USA Report, which tracks how Americans give away their money.

According to the report, Americans gave more than $335 billion to charity in 2013.

Religious organizations received $105 billion in gifts, more than any other sector. But the 31 percent share for church groups was their lowest portion of total giving in four decades.

The Illinois-based Christian research organization Empty Tomb Inc. Said church members are giving less of their income to their churches than they used to.

Sylvia Ronsvalle, executive vice president of Empty Tomb, said the difference is stark: giving to religious charities is up, while giving to churches is down.

"People overall give to vision, and this is just what we've observed, that you see that kind of outpouring when there is a specific need," said Ronsvalle.

Ronsvalle co-wrote the 20th edition of the "State of Church Giving through 2008" with her husband, John.