Giving USA has released its annual look-back report revealing that U.S. charities collectively received a record $617.2 billion in donations in 2025–up 5.7% year over year (3% adjusted for inflation). The report, backed by research from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, highlights key shifts in the philanthropy landscape including a 19.7% jump in bequests to $62 billion, as well as an 11.6% surge in funding to donor-advised funds to $72 billion just as awards to foundations fell by 16.2% to $79 billion.
Key commentaries on the report include a look at how the stock market affects annual giving from CNBC; a set of grantseeker strategies from the Association of Fundraising Professionals; an analysis from Inside Philanthropy arguing that total giving hides the distinction between dollars committed and dollars reaching operating charities; a yellow flag from the Chronicle of Philanthropy warning that in just tracking total giving the report masks cratering individual participation and rapidly changing giving habits; and an overview of ultra-high-net-worth individuals from Forbes noting that MacKenzie Scott’s multi-billion awards accounted for a third of all megadonor giving in 2025.
