Whither philanthropy? Under-25 learn giving in church; church weaker: empty tomb book Young people report most of their giving goes to “church, religious organizations,” while other data points to churches weakening, according to empty tomb’s new book, The State of Church Giving through 2018. What do these trends mean for the practice of philanthropy in the U.S.? Young people learn philanthropy in religious settings, finds an analysis in the new empty tomb book, The State of Church Giving through 2018. The new book also finds downward trends in church membership and giving in the U.S. That poses the question: If young people learn to practice philanthropy in church, and churches are in downward trends, will philanthropy continue to thrive in the U.S.?