Maggie's Farm

According to the CBO study in 2011 of charitable donations, if non-itemizers were able to deduct their donations it would increase the total by $2-billion. Those earning under $50,000 who did not itemize but contributed made up $17-billion out of over $170-billion total of contributions, or made up 7% of total contributions. -- So, adding them into the Chronicle of Philathropy study would not have measurably changed the result or its distribution. - If you are merely trying to sow confusion, once again, FAILED.

Clarification to above: "...or made up 7% of total contributions." should have read "or made up 7% of total contributors."

Contributing to one's church or synagogue or mosque, etc., in other words contributing to one's organized religion, is part of the tax code. You say this "isn't what others might mean by charity." Those "others", then, need to elect a majority of Congress. Until then, they're a fringe. -- While on the subject, legal charitable contributions include to colleges, like Harvard with its multi-billion$ endowment, and to PBS, with its political tilts. There are "others" who might not mean they are charities, but also have to elect a majority in Congress to repeal that part of the tax code. -- As usual, Zach, the false and misleading monicker you hide behind, your argument, however, is transparent nonsense, and doesn't -- as you intend -- accomplish your objective to mislead.

What is your "normal sense of charitable giving"? It is not "normal" until held by a majority who elect a majority of Congress who enact it. Until then it is not "normal." --
As to church edifices, I suggest you visit the HQs of many of the prominent charities, including those supposedly dedicated to the poor ot ill, to see their edifices. While there ask about the multi-million $ salaries, or multi-hundred-thousand $ salaries, their leaders draw, and add in their lavish trips. -- Go to Charity Navigator or similar site to get the lay of their lands.

1. "Normal" is defined as the standard, which is indicated in a democracy by majorities.
2. There are many causes "in need", not just those you may favor. Re-read #1
3. The First Amendment to our Constitution, passed by supermajorities and upheld since, is a good place to start with #1, "normal".
4. The charities listed are some of the most efficient. Now look for the major ones that are not. You, once again, try to confuse, by comparing the Chrystal Cathedral's seeming excess (except for the thousands who support it and pray there) to the most efficient (meaning most dedicated to "program costs"). Church edifices are, indeed, program costs in that they help congregants to inspire, a core purose -- or program -- of organized religions.
5. Our money does not belong to the government. It belongs to ourselves to use, legally, as we ourselves desire. Abuses of the tax code is one thing, but entirely apart from the core point that government exists at our democratic sufferance, and has become beyond sufferable.