New study shows Saskatchewan less generous than past

According to the Fraser Institute, people in Saskatchewan have been tightening their wallets when it comes to charitable donations.

In its annual Generosity Index, the think-tank analyzed information from personal income tax returns since 2004. It found that the percentage of people's income donated to charity has dropped significantly.

Between 2004 to 2014, the study found charitable giving had dropped by 23 per cent, one of the sharpest drop-offs in the country.

"With Canadians becoming less generous every year, charities face greater challenges to secure resources to help those in need," said Charles Lammam, director of fiscal studies at the Fraser Institute and the study's co-author in a release.

The study says Saskatchewan people donated an average of $1,735 in 2014, placing it in sixth place among the provinces and territories.

While Saskatchewan may be tightening its belt, the number of people who give is relatively high. Almost 23 per cent of people in the province recorded a charitable donation on their tax returns, the third highest in the country.

Every year, the charitable index compares Canadian giving with donors in the U.S. While the average Canadian gave $1,618 annually in 2014, the average American donor gave $5,807 USD ($7,758 CAN).