Charitable Giving Is Expected to Rise 4.2% This Year, Report Says

The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy projects a 4.2% increase in charitable giving in the U.S. for this year, followed by a 3.9% increase in 2025. These rises exceed the average growth rate of giving since 2005 and are expected to surpass long-term averages. Factors such as stock market gains, personal income growth, and higher net worth are driving this trend. The study, funded by CCS Fundraising, highlights a departure from recent years, marked by fluctuations influenced by tax law changes, the pandemic, and inflation. 

Foundations are projected to see the most significant increase in contributions due to stock market performance, while individual giving growth is slower, reflecting a long-term trend of declining proportion in overall giving. Despite the optimistic outlook, the report acknowledges uncertainties such as global events or natural disasters that could impact charitable giving. 

Meanwhile, a survey conducted by WSJ Intelligence indicates rising confidence in the economy’s future among readers, tempered by concerns over geopolitical tensions and consumer spending slowdowns.

For more information see Abby Schultz “Charitable Giving Is Expected to Rise 4.2% This Year, Report Says”, PENTA Barron’s, March 15, 2024.

Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.