Americans Pull Back on Charitable Giving: Year-End Donations Decline

Charitable giving in the United States is slowing as 2025 comes to a close. According to the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, most Americans are not planning additional year-end donations, raising concerns for nonprofits that depend heavily on December fundraising surges.  

Key Highlights:

• Donation Trends: About 46% of U.S. adults have already donated in 2025, but only 18% plan to give again before year-end.  
• Limited New Donors: Just 6% of respondents say they haven’t donated yet but intend to do so by December’s end.  
• Nonprofit Concerns: Many organizations rely on December fundraising spikes to sustain operations into the next year.  
• Giving Preferences: Donations primarily went to causes such as domestic aid, religious institutions, animal care, disaster relief, and education.  
• Decline in Enthusiasm: Roughly 30% of Americans report no plans to donate at all in 2025.  

This trend reflects broader economic pressures and shifting priorities, signaling challenges ahead for nonprofits dependent on seasonal generosity.  

Sources: Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, U.S. News, The Hill.