America's Most Philanthropic City -- Can You Name It?

It’s Houston, according to a new study that looks at the financial health and accountability and transparency of the 30 largest philanthropic marketplaces in the country.

The Charity Navigator Metro Market study also found that Nashville’s charities are some of the most financially strong; Cleveland’s charities are the most efficient at fundraising; Miami’s charities received proportionately the most donations; Pittsburgh is home to some of the largest charities; and the median CEO pay among charities in NYC is $86k higher than what’s paid to charity CEOs in Orlando. (Sure, but they get to be closer to Disney's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. So it evens out.)

Colorado Springs, Portland, Orlando, Tampa and Philadelphia were home to charities with the worst financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Charity Navigator VP Sandra Miniutti says she’s hoping the study serves as a tool to help Americans better understand how charities in their city operate and how charity leaders can start talking to each other and trade best practices.

Some other interesting stats: NYC had the highest number of large charities at 932, followed by DC with 686; NYC wasn’t the only city with high charity CEO compensations, DC was ranked second with an average of nearly $186k; charities in Miami and San Fran had the greatest growth in spending on programs; and Miami, NYC and Kansas City reported the highest median contributions. DC, along with Phoenix and Colorado Springs, had some of the less financially secure charities in terms of assets and working capital.