Key facts
- U.S. charities received $617 billion in donations in 2025.
- Donations in 2025 showed a 3% inflation-adjusted increase over the previous year.
- Bequests saw a nearly 17% jump in 2025.
- The increase in bequests may signal the start of the Great Wealth Transfer.
- The Giving USA 2026 report details these trends in charitable giving.
In 2025, U.S. charities garnered a total of $617 billion in donations. This figure represents a 3% increase when adjusted for inflation compared to the previous year. A notable development highlighted in the Giving USA 2026 report is a substantial nearly 17% rise in bequests. This sharp increase in charitable giving through wills and estates is being interpreted as a potential indicator that the Great Wealth Transfer has begun. The Great Wealth Transfer refers to the anticipated shift of significant wealth from older generations to younger ones, which could dramatically impact charitable giving patterns.
The report, Giving USA 2026, provides a comprehensive overview of the philanthropic landscape. The overall growth in donations suggests a resilient charitable sector, even amidst economic fluctuations. The specific surge in bequests points to a shift in how individuals are planning their estates and directing their assets after their passing. This trend could have long-term implications for the financial stability and operational capacity of various charitable organizations.