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Kiva's Global Survey Highlights Financial Pressures on Philanthropy

Kiva, a leading global nonprofit organization focused on expanding financial access, has recently released findings from a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll. This extensive study surveyed over 3,000 adults across the United States and the United Kingdom, revealing an alarming trend: rising living costs are significantly impacting charitable donations.

The Affordability Crisis

According to the survey, an overwhelming majority of respondents from both the U.S. (85%) and the UK (86%) reported facing at least one financial barrier that has hindered their ability to donate or increase their donations in the past six months. Despite these challenges, the survey found that charitable spirit remains alive, with 77% of U.S. participants and an impressive 80% of UK participants still finding ways to contribute financially.

This paradox reflects broader economic trends where, despite total charitable contributions reaching an astounding $617.20 billion—according to Giving USA—individual donations have plummeted from around 80% of total contributions over the decades to just 64% today. Everyday households are feeling the sting of rising costs, making it more challenging to contribute to charitable causes.

Shifting Donor Expectations

Vishal Ghotge, CEO of Kiva, emphasized that this increasing cost-of-living crisis has fundamentally shifted donor expectations. "Today's donors are more concerned than ever about how their money is utilized," he stated. The survey data support his assertion, with about three-quarters of respondents from both the U.S. (74%) and the UK (76%) agreeing that giving should focus on creating measurable, long-term impacts rather than short-term fixes.

Furthermore, around 70% of adults in the U.S. (71%) and UK (69%) claimed that merely writing a check is insufficient; donors increasingly recognize the importance of investing time and relationships in solving modern-day challenges
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This demand for greater accountability stems from rising frustration with traditional fundraising methods. The survey revealed that nearly three-quarters of U.S. respondents (72%) and two-thirds of UK respondents (67%) believe charities often prioritize soliciting donations over demonstrating meaningful and measurable results.

Donor Priorities in the New Landscape

Moreover, the survey revealed a decisive shift toward more focused giving. More than two-thirds of respondents in both regions indicated that supporting communities affected by climate change is now a crucial priority. Approximately 70% of adults in the U.S. (70%) and UK (69%) expressed that it's vital to aid communities impacted by environmental changes, reflecting a growing awareness of global challenges.

As donors pivot toward more realistic contributions, there is a growing trend towards making smaller, recurring donations rather than one-time, larger gifts. Nearly three-quarters of Americans (74%) and Britons (73%) reported feeling that smaller, ongoing contributions (like those under $25) are more sustainable than a single large donation. Furthermore, around 60% of adults in both countries believe that donating collectively enhances the impact compared to giving individually, signifying a communal approach to charity.

The Power of Collective Action

Ghotge noted that Kiva’s approach effectively harnesses the synergy between grassroots givers and larger philanthropic initiatives. "Everyday lenders create the grassroots momentum necessary to drive change, while significant institutional partners amplify these contributions for substantial impacts on a larger scale," he explained. This combination not only fosters lasting economic growth but also transforms smaller investments into permanent independence for affected communities.

In conclusion, Kiva's survey sheds light on a critical moment for philanthropy amidst economic uncertainty. As donors seek clarity and transparency from nonprofits, they emphasize the necessity of measurable outcomes and the ability to contribute at sustainable levels.

To learn more about Kiva’s initiatives and the findings of this survey, visit kiva.org.

Survey Methodology

The survey methodology involved online polling between August 28 and September 1, 2026, covering a representative sample of 2,019 U.S. adults and 1,001 UK adults aged 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is assessed through a Bayesian credible interval, ensuring reliable data collection that reflects general sentiments of the populations surveyed.

About Kiva

Founded in 2005, Kiva's mission is to expand financial access and help underserved communities thrive. With over $2.6 billion in loans and support for more than 6 million borrowers globally, Kiva continuously works towards creating a world where financial inclusion is a reality for everyone.