If you became a billionaire overnight, what local cause would be first on your philanthropic list?
LotteryTexts surveyed 3,000 “everyday” people to find the answer, with two Connecticut causes close to Nutmeggers’ hearts.
The first in the state was “enhancing the Connecticut River Estuary conservation efforts,” according to LotteryTexts. The survey found that residents, if given the opportunity, “would want to protect its estuaries, support sustainable fishing practices, and fund research to promote the health of the river.”
The other cause to top Connecticut’s list was supporting the preservation of historic lighthouses along the coast, according to the survey. The state boats a bevvy of lighthouses steeped in maritime history, with those surveyed saying they would help restore the structures, support tourism, and fund educational programs around lighthouses.
Views over Connecticut River stretch 40 miles at planned mega-development site
Curious what other parts of the nation had on their philanthropic lists? Here are some highlights courtesy of LotteryTexts:
- “Californians would want to direct their wealth to fund conservation efforts for redwood and sequoia forests, support sustainable tourism, and develop educational programs that teach about the ecological importance of these ancient trees.”
- “Montanans leaned toward preserving traditional Native American languages and customs, by supporting cultural centers and educational programs that celebrate indigenous heritage.”
- “In New Hampshire, where small historic towns abound, locals said they would focus on restoring historic buildings, bolstering local businesses, and developing tourism initiatives that highlight the state’s colonial past.”
- “Michiganders, proud of their state’s abundance of lighthouses, said their top priority would be to restore these historic structures. They also emphasized supporting lighthouse tourism and funding educational programs about the role of lighthouses in guiding ships on the Great Lakes.”
- “Missourians were passionate about preserving the legacy of St. Louis blues and jazz. Their investments would go toward supporting local musicians, maintaining historic music venues, and funding music education programs to celebrate the city’s significant contribution to American music.”
“It’s heartwarming to see that, given the means, so many Americans would prioritize making a meaningful difference in their local communities rather than indulging solely in personal luxuries,” said Melissa Brown of LotteryTexts. “Whether it’s preserving cultural heritage or protecting the environment, this study shows a deep desire to give back when the opportunity arises.”
Check out the full breakdown of all 50 states and other information here.
