Wise Giving Wednesday: Most Americans Unaware of Charity Funding Cuts Ahead of GivingTuesday

As GivingTuesday approaches, a new BBB WGA Donor Trust Report reveals a concerning truth: most Americans are unaware that many charities are struggling with funding cuts and rising demand — a disconnect that could limit the season’s generosity.

What the Donor Trust Report Reveals About Public Awareness in 2025

Last week, BBB WGA released its newest Donor Trust Report on Public Awareness of Challenges Facing the Charitable Sector in 2025.

Many charities faced a challenging year in 2025, marked by significant reductions in federal funding, new federal interpretations of DEI policies and funding criteria, and rising demand for services, all compounded by political polarization and a declining donor base.

The report examines public awareness and reactions.

Generational Gaps in Perception: Who Believes Charities Are Well-Funded?

We found that only 32% of U.S. adults surveyed were aware that the federal government had reduced its support for charities in 2025.

Many Americans, particularly younger generations, believe charities are actually receiving more government funding — not less.

For example, 43% of Generation Alpha respondents (ages 18–20) believed government funding had increased, compared to just 17% of Baby Boomers.

Yet, among those who were aware, 65% viewed the cuts as either “somewhat” or “very” negative, citing concern for the most vulnerable communities.

Why These Misperceptions Matter — Especially Now

As we approach GivingTuesday, the global day for generosity to charities, these findings suggest that a fundamental misalignment between perception and reality may hinder public responsiveness.

5 Tips to Give Wisely in the Face of Charity Funding Cuts

For those hoping to support charities affected by funding cuts this giving season, we offer a few tips to consider:

1. Support Organizations Affected by Federal Funding Cuts. During this giving season, there are many opportunities to help charities that are struggling in the wake of federal funding cuts, including food banks, shelters, disaster preparedness, and others.
2. Consider Different Ways to Help. There are multiple ways to support charities beyond financial donations, such as volunteering, giving goods, or helping raise awareness for their cause.
3. Get the charity’s exact name. With so many charities in existence, mistaken identity is a common problem. Thousands of organizations include terms like “cancer” in their names but are not connected to one another.
4. Check websites for basics. A charity’s mission, program and finances should be available on its site.
5. Verify the charity’s trustworthiness. Access reports on Give.org to identify if a charity meets the 20 BBB Charity Standards. Also, many states require charities to register, usually with the office of the attorney general, before soliciting.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• Center for Reproductive Rights
• Days End Farm Horse Rescue
• Freedom House Ministries

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.