According to a report from Giving USA, charitable giving in the U.S. increased by 5.7% in 2025, marking the first time it surpassed $600 billion in its 60-year history. Individual donations accounted for $394.2 billion, a modest 1.4% increase when adjusted for inflation, while charitable bequests surged by 16.6% to $62.19 billion.
This rise in bequests is seen as a potential indicator of the Great Wealth Transfer, with Cerulli Associates projecting over $124 trillion in assets will be passed down by 2048, of which about $18 trillion is expected to go to charity.
Jon Bergdoll, lead analyst of the report, noted that the wealthiest Americans, who are most likely to leave substantial gifts, have benefited significantly from the stock market's performance. Despite the overall increase in giving, Bergdoll expressed concern about the disconnect between stock market gains and charitable contributions, attributing it to economic unease and low consumer sentiment.
He emphasized the importance of stabilizing charitable giving, suggesting it should not fluctuate in direct correlation with market changes. The report also highlighted that a small number of wealthy donors contributed a significant portion of total donations, with MacKenzie Scott leading with $6.65 billion.
Gabe Cooper of the Giving USA Foundation acknowledged the benefits of large donations but cautioned against an increasing reliance on mega-donors, as their giving patterns can be unpredictable. He also stressed the importance of encouraging responsible philanthropy among heirs of wealthy individuals