Despite the bad rap we get from some Europeans, Americans may be the most philanthropic people in the world.

Most of the criticism centers around how much money the federal government contributes to ease suffering in various worldwide disasters. What those calculations don’t take into account are the many ways the United States supports the world when there is no immediate crisis — or how many dollars flow freely from private sources.

There are cultural differences at work. By and large, most of the world depends on national governments to cure social ills and ease suffering. That’s not our tradition. Here, we assume it’s everyone’s responsibility to play a more direct role, and that’s reflected in significant charitable giving by businesses, nonprofits and, perhaps most of all, churches.

The point was documented in a 2006 report by Charities Aid Foundation, a financial organization serving charities in the United Kingdom. Their research found that American individuals contributed the equivalent of 1.67 percent of their national Gross Domestic Product to charities. Next highest was the United Kingdom, well behind at 0.73 percent. Germany was listed at 0.22 percent and France, just 0.14 percent.

Nowhere is American’s generosity more evident than in contributions to help people generate income. No matter what the actual “cause” may be, the end purpose of philanthropy is to improve people’s lives. And to enjoy personal success, three essential areas emerge — education, income and health.

Obviously, achieving financial stability is critical to success, but as many as one-third of working Americans struggle to meet their basic needs. Instead of saving for college, putting money away for retirement or investing in a home, they’re barely meeting day-to-day obligations.

Taking care of the most urgent needs is a high priority, and a lot of American philanthropy is directed to ease immediate suffering and help those without an income. Locally, Christian Faith Ministries provides shelter for the homeless. The Breadbasket cooks hot lunches for people without food. And the Salvation Army and Christians United Outreach Center help families weather immediate financial crises. There are countless others, as well, including smaller, but significant ministries at churches throughout the area.

Dealing with the longterm problem of “income” is important, too. The United Way, for example, recently announced a national initiative to cut in half the number of working families that are not financially stable by providing education and practical help. The aim is to help people to develop assets, understand how personal finance works and becoming more employable, which makes it possible to earn more.

The ultimate goal for all of us — the key to financial stability — is to earn enough to support our families through the retirement years.

Our struggling economy has made it more difficult for people to contribute to these causes, but now is not the time to back off. If the recent turmoil has taught us anything, it’s that nothing in life is guaranteed. Economies work through their own inevitable cycles as the year passes through its seasons, which is why a focus on longterm financial stability and independence is important.

Now is the time to keep our American tradition of individual and corporate giving vital by helping our neighbors become successful on their own. People are more likely to make change when they see the need directly, and our economy has provided that motivation.

That’s one reason the United Way has made “income” philanthropy a priority, and you can make it happen for our neighbors. If everyone gives a small gift during the current annual campaign, local agencies could help more families achieve their goal — and not face the urgent need many are facing now. And that eases the burden and strengthens our community for all.

Next month: A look at health.