On a per capita basis, Oregonians are more philanthropic than our neighbors to the south or north, according to David Westcott, vice president for development at The Oregon Community Foundation.

Westcott told the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce lunch forum guests Wednesday that Oregonians rank 15th nationally in terms of per capita giving, while Californians rank 17th and Washington residents rank 35th.

In 2006, charitable giving nationwide topped $295 billion nn up about $12 billion over 2005. Oregonians gave about $1 billion last year.

"Oregonians give about 2½ percent of their incomes," Westcott said. "That's up from 1.8 percent 10 years ago."

Since its creation in 1974, the foundation nn with assets of nearly $1 billion nn has made more than $500 million in grants, averaging $47 million per year. The average grant is for $20,000 to $30,000, he said. About $10 million has been given to Linn County organizations. Some $1.2 million in grant requests came from Linn County groups last year.

"When I travel around the state, I use Linn County and Albany as examples of places that are doing good things," Westcott said. "Things work well here." A local Foundation beneficiary is the Albany Family YMCA building project that will receive $100,000.

Nationwide, philanthropic giving is up 5 percent this year. The upward trend started in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, Westcott said. Giving had been on a decline for some time before Katrina.

"Last year, U.S. corporations gave more than $13 billion in gifts," Westcott said. "Today, companies and individuals want to be better informed about where they give and how their money is being used."

Westcott said there are 11,000 nonprofit groups in Oregon and a new one is added daily.

"The pie has grown, but so have the number of slices," he said. "That's why we encourage you to have a good business plan when it comes to your company or individual giving."

Individuals and businesses donate money, time and goods for several reasons, including: it feels good; it's a tradition; it builds morale and cohesiveness; it's good for business; it's inspirational.

To establish a business-giving plan, start with the following:

• Clarify your goals. What do you hope to accomplish with your gifts.

• Identify the tax benefits. What can you deduct as a charitable contribution?

• Set a budget. How much do you want to give?

• Set up a process. How will you accept solicitations?

• Set up criteria for evaluating particular requests. Learn about the organization and how it plans to use your money.

To learn more about The Oregon Community Foundation, call (541) 431-7099 or visit www.ocf1.org.