#United States #charitable donations #Malvern #Harris Poll #Vanguard Charitable

Increased Charitable Giving in the Past Year: A Look at the Latest Survey Findings

Recent findings from a survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Vanguard Charitable reveal a significant increase in charitable donations among U.S. adults. The survey gathered insights from over 2,000 participants and was designed to shed light on the philanthropic landscape in America. According to the results, 75% of respondents reported making charitable donations in the past year. A noteworthy 30% of these donors indicated that their giving increased compared to previous years.

Average Contributions on the Rise

The survey data shows that Americans contributed an average of $1,394 to charity within the last twelve months, reflecting a 29% increase from $1,081 reported in October 2024. This surge in charitable giving suggests a renewed commitment to philanthropy as many individuals prioritize their contributions despite broader economic factors. Approximately half of the surveyed donors (48%) reported including charitable contributions in their budget, implying that intentional financial planning correlates with larger donations.

Individuals who allocated funds for charity donated an average of $3,001—nearly 3.5 times more than the $808 provided by those without a dedicated charitable budget. Notably, 43% of donors with a budget stated they had increased their donations over the past year, contrasting sharply with only 17% of those without a budget.

The Impact of Donor-Advised Funds

Vanguard Charitable highlighted that donors utilizing donor-advised funds (DAFs) made a more substantial impact, contributing an average of $4,341 in the past year, which is 3.5 times more than contributions from those who do not utilize such funds. Interestingly, almost 88% of DAF donors maintain a charitable giving budget, with about 49% indicating that they increased their donations compared to previous years.

Moreover, donations for disaster relief showcased a marked increase, with DAF donors giving an average of $1,874. This is almost three times the amount contributed by donors without DAFs, who averaged $644. The increased interest in disaster relief donations is further reflected in the overall 2025 donation average, which rose to approximately $757 from $477 the previous year. Those with a charitable budget facilitated a greater contribution to these causes, donating an average of $1,039 compared to $397 from those without a budget.

Vanguard Charitable Leads the Way

Vanguard Charitable has made considerable strides, marking a 21% increase in the total amount granted across the board. From November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, donors granted a total of $3.4 billion encompassing approximately 64,000 organizations. This averaged out to around $13,586 per grant unit, demonstrating sustained and purposeful giving.

A notable instance of this generosity occurred during a recent government shutdown, wherein Vanguard Charitable donors allocated $20 million to support 775 food programs and food banks. The amount granted during this crisis tripled when compared to the previous year, with a greater number of grant units and organizations receiving support.

Rebecca Moffett, President of Vanguard Charitable, emphasized the transformative effect of strategic and intentional giving, stating, "When we choose to make giving a priority—when we plan, budget, and act with intention—our impact multiplies."

Conclusion

The increase in charitable giving is a reassuring sign of America’s commitment to philanthropy, especially in challenging times. By facilitating donations through effective means like donor-advised funds, organizations like Vanguard Charitable are empowering individuals to give more and make a difference in the communities they care about. As the trend of increased contributions continues, the future of charitable giving looks promising, with the potential to significantly improve lives and communities across the country.