A recent Vanguard Charity/Harris Poll — perhaps timed to the benevolence associated with the upcoming holiday season — examined Americans’ giving habits. It found that, like most household budget items, if they’re planned, they’re usually more effective.

The 12-month analysis showed that establishing a household budget line item for giving leads to larger donations.

The trouble is, according to the data, only 44 percent of us capture that expense in our monthly outlays.

The difference between planned and unplanned giving is a whopping 149.4 percent ($2,453 versus $355).

Planners were also more likely, by 28 percent, to increase their year-over-year giving to a charity, the survey revealed. The corollary to unbudgeted givers drops to 19 percent.

The analysis also delved into why individuals choose to support causes with their personal funds. Top reasons include inspiration motivated by:

• Personal experience
• Current events/news stories
• 1:1 appeals
• Gaining tax benefits

“The charitable giving we’ve seen over the past year has been inspiring in the face of devastating circumstances. This survey data underscores that planning and budgeting can help individuals make the biggest charitable impact,” says Rebecca Moffett, President of Vanguard Charitable.

More information about Vanguard Charitable or giving through donor-advised funds is available online.