Top 5 Takeaways from the 2025 Giving USA Report

The Giving USA 2025 report delivered some welcome news: US charitable giving rose to $592.5 billion in 2024; that’s a 6.3% increase year-over-year (or 3.3% when adjusted for inflation). This marks a rebound in real growth after two years of inflation eroding philanthropic momentum.

While the topline numbers are encouraging, they’re just numbers. The real value of this report is in the actions we take from it.

Here are the key takeaways – and more importantly, what you can do right now to build on the momentum.

1. Engage Donors While Confidence Is High

Giving as a percent of GDP held steady at around 2%, which signals a healthy philanthropic climate, especially given strong performance in the stock market over the last year. When donors are feeling financially secure, they’re more likely to act on their philanthropic values.

What to do now:

1. Prioritize major donor stewardship. Donors whose portfolios grew last year are likely ahead of their personal financial goals. This is the time to deepen relationships and invite bold giving.
2. Position giving as an investment in impact. Confident donors still want to know their dollars are making a difference. Tell a story and make the case that giving now fuels outcomes that have a long-term impact.

2. Prepare for Changing Market and Economic Landscapes

We’re already seeing signs that continuing inflationary pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, and policy changes in 2025 could impact donor sentiment.

What to do now:

1. Create flexible fundraising plans. Model best-case, midline, and conservative revenue scenarios and plan how to support each.
2. Build recurring revenue. Monthly giving and donor-advised fund (DAF) grants can stabilize cash flow regardless of market swings.
3. Communicate with transparency. Keep your donors informed about how your organization is planning for uncertainty, by highlighting the ways they can help support that narrative.

3. Watch Where there is Growth and Align Accordingly

The report shows that giving grew across almost all sectors, but especially in:

• Education (+13.2%, for a total of $88.32 billion)
• International affairs (+17.7%, for a total of $35.54 billion)
• Public-society benefit (+19.5%, for a total of $66.84 billion)

These areas are attracting more philanthropic dollars because they speak to donors’ growing interests and the causes they care about.

What to do now:

1. Position your mission within bigger narratives. Whether you're in healthcare, the arts, or an environmental cause, connect your work to civic engagement, education, or global well-being when appropriate.
2. Highlight measurable, long-term outcomes. Donors are showing they’re willing to invest in change – but they want proof it’s working.

4. Don’t Overlook Foundations and Bequests

Foundations contributed $109.8 billion (nearly 19% of total giving), remaining a stable force in philanthropy. Bequests held relatively steady, signaling continued interest in legacy giving.

What to do now:

1. Invest in planned giving programs. Many non-profits under-resource this area – despite its potential to generate transformational gifts.
2. Treat private and community foundations as collaborators, not just funders. Foundations increasingly want to co-create impact, not just fund pre-built programs.

5. Monitor and Adapt. Stay in Front of the Trends

This landscape can shift quickly. What’s true now may not hold in six months. That’s why now is the time for leadership teams to stay curious, informed, and responsive.

What to do now:

1. Make Giving USA part of a bigger conversation. Allow data points to guide strategic planning or an upcoming campaign.
2. Track economic indicators that impact giving. Interest rates, market performance, and consumer sentiment all matter.
3. Ask your donors directly. “How are you feeling about your giving this year?” is a powerful question to guide your cultivation strategy.

The Giving USA 2025 report confirms what many of us are seeing anecdotally: donors are stepping up. Non-profits that move quickly to engage donors, adjust strategies, and connect their mission to what donors care about today will be best positioned to grow their fundraising, increase endowment support, and serve their communities more effectively.

Source: GivingUSA.org

The information in this paper is not intended as legal or tax advice. Consult with an attorney or a tax or financial advisor regarding your specific legal, tax, estate planning, or financial situation.