Tag: recommended

While charitable giving reached record highs in 2025, new Giving USA data suggests fewer Americans are taking part.

The Latest Giving USA 2026 Results: A Record Year for Charitable Giving

Last week, the Giving Institute released Giving USA 2026: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2025.

The report is based on research from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and is the longest-running study of philanthropy in the United States.

As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, Giving USA offers a comprehensive view of charitable giving trends. This year’s findings are both encouraging and concerning.

Encouraging News: Total Giving Exceeded $600 Billion

One of the report’s most encouraging findings is that charitable giving reached a record $617.2 billion in 2025, marking the first time total giving exceeded $600 billion. 

This reflects a 3.0% inflation-adjusted increase compared with 2024. When adjusted for inflation, 2025 ranks as the second-highest year on record, behind only 2021.

Where Charitable Donations Came From in 2025

Giving USA reported that this $617.2 billion total in charitable contributions came from the following sources:

• Individuals: 64% ($394.2 billion)
• Foundations: 19% ($117.15 billion)
• Bequests: 10% ($62.19 billion)
• Corporations: 7% ($43.67 billion)

Of note, bequest giving increased by 16.6% in inflation-adjusted dollars between 2024 and 2025, while foundation giving rose by 3.0%.

Foundation giving has also grown steadily over the past 15 years, increasing from $60.46 billion (inflation-adjusted) in 2010 to $117.15 billion in 2025. This sustained growth shows the expanding role of foundations in supporting the charitable sector.

Which Causes Saw the Largest Growth in Giving?

Giving USA also reported growth in inflation-adjusted giving across seven of the nine charitable subsectors.

The largest increases were in education, public-society benefit organizations, and environmental and animal organizations. Giving to religion remained relatively stable, while giving to foundations declined.

Charitable giving was distributed across recipient categories as follows:

• Religion: 23% ($151.58 billion)
• Human services: 15% ($99.50 billion)
• Education: 14% ($92.01 billion)
• Gifts to grantmaking foundations: 12% ($79.05 billion)
• Public-society benefit: 11% ($72.06 billion)
• Health: 9% ($61.43 billion)
• International affairs: 5% ($33.02 billion)
• Arts, culture, and humanities: 4% ($27.31 billion)
• Environment and animals: 4% ($24.57 billion)
• To individuals: 4% ($25.77 billion)

Why the Decline in Individual Giving Matters

While positive at first glance, these results also raise important concerns, chief among them the declining share of charitable giving that comes from individual donors.

Between 1986 and 1990, individuals accounted for 80% of all charitable contributions, reflecting broad-based civic engagement. By 2025, that share had fallen to 64%.

This trend is even more concerning given that individual giving is increasingly concentrated among a smaller number of wealthier donors.

Giving Hasn’t Kept Pace With Other Benchmarks

Compared with GDP growth and the performance of the S&P 500 Index, Giving USA results suggest that growth in charitable giving has not kept pace with broader economic growth.

Similarly, individual giving as a share of disposable personal income has declined, reaching 1.7% in 2025 compared with peak levels of 2.4% in both 2000 and 2005.

Rebuilding a Culture of Generosity as America Approaches 250

In our 2023 BBB Give.org Donor Trust Report on Donor Participation, 59% of respondents with household incomes above $70,000 who had stopped giving to charities agreed with the statement: “there are people out there with significantly more money who should give to charity instead of me.”

Other findings from the report suggest that a leading reason people do not contribute is simply that they do not feel they have been asked. Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of building trusted community and broadening the ask.

As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, these trends highlight the importance of rebuilding broad-based participation and strengthening a culture of charitable giving.

---

Recent Reports

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

• National Audubon Society
• North American Land Trust
• World Jewish Congress American Section

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.

Charity compensation often raises questions, but a salary figure alone rarely tells the full story.

Why Charities Need Paid Professionals

A common refrain when the topic of charitable giving comes up is that “charity CEOs and staff make too much money” or that “charities should only be spending money on programs.”

When giving a heartfelt gift to an organization helping those less fortunate or one that aligns with your personal values, it is natural to want all of the donation to directly benefit the cause. The desire to ensure that “every cent” reaches those in need can be especially powerful during emergencies, such as natural disasters. For example, in the aftermath of a hurricane or wildfire, many people feel compelled to help right away.

However, even the most efficient charities cannot do their work without compensated professionals. Volunteers are essential to many charitable organizations, but for most charities, relying exclusively on volunteers is not realistic or practical.

Common Questions About Charity Compensation

Here are some frequent questions about charity salaries:

Are all salaries “overhead” expenses?

One common misperception is that all charity salaries are “administrative” or “overhead” expenses. This is not the case, as salaries can appropriately be allocated across major expense categories: program, fundraising, or management and general, depending on how the employee’s time is spent. 

A single staff member at an animal shelter, for example, may spend time providing direct adoption services in the morning (program expense), managing staff schedules during her working lunch (management and general expense), and calling donors in the afternoon (fundraising expense). One staff person. Three roles. All critical to the success of the charitable mission.

Where can I find out how much charity executives are paid?

You can find key information about charity employee and officer compensation, as well as a roster of the board of directors, in the IRS Form 990, the annual financial form completed by charities (excluding houses of worship). This level of transparency is not often seen in the business world but has been standard practice in philanthropy for decades.

You can visit the IRS website to search for charity Form 990s here. You can also find the CEO or chief executive salary information in the “governance and staff” section of each BBB WGA charity report. An alphabetical list of BBB WGA charity reports is available here.

How is charity CEO salary determined?

Determining a chief executive officer’s salary is a core responsibility of the board of directors. The board considers a number of factors when determining CEO compensation, including the charity’s location and cost of living, nonprofit salary surveys, the size of the organization’s staff and finances, specific executive responsibilities, and the individual’s professional experience, among other factors.

A CEO of a large charity with revenue and expenses in the tens of millions of dollars, thousands of employees, and domestic and international programs will naturally have a different level of compensation than the executive director of a small, local animal shelter. Both charities are doing important work, but there are significant differences in the scope of responsibility.

Charity executive salaries are, generally speaking, much lower than those for similar positions in the private sector. While most people want to earn a competitive living, charity executives and staff are often mission-driven and motivated by more than just a large paycheck.

Compensation, Transparency, and Mission

Transparency about compensation is an important part of charitable accountability. At the same time, charities need skilled, dedicated professionals to deliver effective programs, manage resources responsibly, and achieve lasting impact. Understanding how salaries support an organization’s mission allows donors to make more informed giving decisions.

---

Recent Reports

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

• America’s Charities
• Catholic Medical Mission Board
• School the World

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.

Donors expect online giving platforms to do more than make giving easy—trust in giving platforms comes with expectations of accuracy, transparency, and charity consent.

The Growing Role of Online Giving Platforms

Online giving platforms have become an increasingly important part of the charitable ecosystem, expanding significantly over the past two decades as organizations developed tools that aggregate nonprofit information and facilitate digital giving.

At the same time, recent litigation, regulatory activity, and sector-wide discussions have raised questions about charity consent, transparency, donor expectations, and the broader role these platforms play in charitable giving.

While donor preferences and protections are often central to these conversations, donor views themselves have been measured less directly.

New Research on Online Giving Platforms and Donor Expectations

Our new BBB Give.org Special Donor Trust Report, Online Giving Platforms and Donor Expectations examines how donors use online giving platforms and, importantly, what they assume, expect, and prefer regarding platform practices, nonprofit authorization, donor information sharing, and the overall giving experience.

How Online Giving Platforms Influence Donor Trust

One of the clearest findings is that donors across generations place significant trust in online giving platforms, and this comes with important expectations.

Among giving platform users, 62% say that a charity’s presence on a well-known giving platform increases their trust in that organization.

Respondents also report that trust is strongly influenced by transparency about fees and how funds are used, clear and accurate information about listed charities, and assurance that charities have agreed to be listed on the platform.

How Donor Expectations Differ Across Generations

At the same time, the survey reveals important generational differences in how donors discover charities, what they assume about platform operations, and what they expect from the giving experience.

Younger donors are more likely to discover charities online.

Our survey shows that nearly 60% of adults age 44 and younger say they learn about charitable organizations through social media, and about 29% through giving platforms. Gen Zers and Millennials are especially likely to use giving platforms to discover charities, with 82% of each group reporting they use giving platforms often or sometimes for this purpose.

On the other hand, Matures and Boomers are more likely to say they rarely or never use giving platforms for discovery. Rather than browsing for new organizations, they are more likely to visit a platform to support charities they already know.

Younger donors are more likely to see platform presence as a trust signal.

Younger generations are especially likely to say that a charity’s presence on a well-known giving platform increases their trust in the organization. For example, 58% of Millennials say platform presence increases trust, compared with only 27% of Matures. These findings suggest that younger donors may be more likely to view platforms not only as payment tools, but as environments for charitable discovery.

Younger donors are more likely to assume charities are involved in managing their platform pages.

Most respondents assume that charities either create, maintain, or can modify their donation pages on giving platforms. These assumptions are particularly prevalent among younger generations. Among Gen Z respondents, 45% believe charities create and manage the content of their donation pages, while an additional 32% believe platforms create the pages but charities can edit them.

In contrast, older generations are significantly more likely to say they do not know who manages charity pages on online giving platforms. Across all age groups, relatively few respondents believe that the platform alone creates and manages charity content without any involvement from the charity itself.

Older donors place greater emphasis on verification and oversight.

Respondents across generations expect platforms to play an important role in maintaining trust. However, older donors are especially likely to expect platforms to verify tax-exempt status, ensure information is accurate and current, and confirm compliance with fundraising regulations.

For example, 63% of Boomers expect platforms to ensure that charity information is timely and accurate, compared with 36% of Gen Z respondents. These findings suggest that while younger and older donors value trust, they may define it differently.

Donors across generations prefer charity consent.

One of the most consistent findings in the survey concerns charity consent. When asked to choose between a platform that includes only charities that have explicitly agreed to participate and a platform that includes as many charities as possible, a majority of respondents preferred the platform that includes only authorized charities.

Younger generations are somewhat more receptive to broad inclusion and discovery-oriented models. Nevertheless, most respondents across all generations favor platforms that include charities that have explicitly agreed to be listed or partnered with the platform. For example, 63% of Boomers prefer an authorization-based model, compared with 45% of Millennials.

Donors, especially young adults, value relationships.

Younger generations are more likely to say they want to feel connected to the charities they support and receive updates and communications after making a donation, with nearly half of Millennials saying they prefer to feel connected to the charity, including receiving updates and communication from them.

Building Trust Through Transparency and Accountability

Across generations, the findings suggest that the future of online giving platforms depends on balancing two important priorities: making charitable discovery and giving easier while maintaining the transparency and accountability donors expect.

Donors value the convenience and connections these platforms can provide, but they also expect clear information, charity authorization, and responsible stewardship. Building trust across generations will require attention to all of these expectations.

Explore More Findings and Download the Full Report

Explore additional findings about donor expectations, generational differences, and trust in online giving platforms.

Donor Trust Special Report: Online Giving Platforms and Donor Expectations

---

Recent Reports

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

• Association for a More Just Society
• Catholic Medical Mission Board
• Tim Tebow Foundation

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.

 

Preparing for hurricane season is about protecting your household and knowing how to help when a storm hits.

What NOAA Predicts for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

June marks the beginning of Atlantic Hurricane season in the US. While no major hurricane made landfall in 2025 for the first time in a decade, it isn’t a wise gamble to predict a similar outcome this year.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 10% chance of an above-normal season and a 35% chance of a near-normal season.

Specifically, its 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook calls for a 70% probability of between 8 and 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. These ranges fall below the “normal” season averages of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.

Most of the predicted activity is likely to occur during August-September-October (ASO), the peak months of the hurricane season.

Preparing for a Hurricane Before the Storm

A prudent approach is to focus on preparedness and readiness for the range of possible outcomes.

Just two seasons ago, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage after making landfall in Florida, with impacts felt far inland, including catastrophic flooding, wind damage, and widespread power outages across parts of the Southeast, including Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, not the first places you think of when you think of “coastal” storms.

In preparation for the season, here are some tips taken from both the CDC and American Red Cross about staying safe in case a dangerous hurricane makes an unwanted appearance in your neck of the woods.

Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list, so please visit the above sites and pay attention to local authorities and resources as well.

• Formulate a plan. Keep emergency numbers handy. Locate the nearest shelter, including those that accept animals.

• Gather emergency supplies. Include nonperishable food, plenty of water, power sources, and basic tools. Don’t forget essentials such as medication and important paperwork.

• Prepare your home. Clear your yard of debris, cover windows and doors, and ensure you have plenty of batteries for important devices such as carbon monoxide and fire alarms.

• Fill your car’s gas tank. Fuel may be harder to find once a storm is approaching or after power outages.

• Visit the National Hurricane Center. Check the Center’s hurricane watches and warnings for the latest information.

How to Give Wisely After a Hurricane

Tips from the Wise Giving Alliance about giving in hurricane aftermath:

• Understand what issues the charity is addressing. Is the organization focused on food, shelter, medical care, cleanup or long-term rebuilding? Visit charity websites to learn about the specific activities the charity is engaged in.

• Be cautious of in-kind gifts. While well-meaning, the logistics of shipping physical items can be extremely difficult during disasters. Monetary donations tend to be more efficient during emergencies. When making an in-kind contribution it is best to work through charities that have established distribution networks already in place.

• Sustained giving is crucial. Remember that charities need money well before and after the storm. Sustained giving can be a good choice as preparedness, cleanup, and rebuilding, doesn’t happen overnight.

• Verify charity trustworthiness. Consider giving to charities that meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities). Visit Give.org to find an organization doing important disaster relief work.

For more information and tips on giving wisely after a disaster, visit our Disaster Relief and Preparedness cause page.

Stay safe, give wisely, and enjoy the beginning of vacation season.

---

Recent Reports

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

• Atlas Free
• Salvation Army (National Corporation)
• Western Resource Advocates

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.

A catchy appeal can open the door to giving, but clear charity appeals are what build lasting donor trust.

What the Kars4Kids Ruling Found

On May 8, 2026, the Superior Court of California ruled against Kars4Kids, a Lakewood, NJ-based charity for making untrue or misleading statements in their advertising materials.

The ruling in the case, Puterbaugh vs. Oorah, states that the organization “should have known through reasonable care, that the statements were untrue or misleading.”

Kars4Kids was found in violation of section 17500 of California’s Business and Professions Code, as well as section 17200 of the Unfair Competition Law (UCL).

Why Clear Charity Appeals Matter

The case involved the donation of a 2001 Volvo, valued at $250, to Kars4Kids. The Plaintiff donated the non-operational vehicle after his wife demanded the car be moved before a social event.

He testified that his decision to give to Kars4Kids was influenced by the Kars4Kids jingle:

“1-877-Kars4Kids, K-A-R-S Kars for Kids, 1-877-Kars4Kids, Donate your car today.”

Based on these messages, the Plaintiff believed that his car donation would benefit underprivileged children in California, but later learned the donation supported a religious organization based in Lakewood, New Jersey.

The Plaintiff noted that the “jingle” contained no religious affiliation or indication that donations would be limited by geography, religion, or ethnicity. He also indicated that he had not visited the organization’s website, as he was “not a computer person.”

Kars4Kids’ Chief Operations Officer, Esti Landau, acknowledged the jingle, which has aired for two decades, did not provide specific details about the charity’s activities, which support summer camps in New York and New Jersey, and other religious programs serving youth and adults.

Approximately 25% of Kars4Kids’ revenue comes from donations made in California. Landau testified that Kars4Kids has no programs in California and that the organization’s primary purpose is not to help economically disadvantaged children.

The ruling in the case requires Kars4Kids to refund the $250 within 30 days and cease all non-compliant broadcasts within the same timeframe. You can find Kars4Kids post-trial statement here.

BBB Wise Giving Alliance has a current nondisclosure report on Kars4Kids, as the organization has not responded to our requests for information.

Fundraising Appeal Guidelines for Charities

Below are some guidelines to keep in mind when developing charity communication materials:

• Provide Clear Program Descriptions: Clearly describe the programs or services for which you are seeking contributions. Even a brief explanation can help potential donors better understand your work and how and where their support will be used.

• Ensure Accuracy and Truthfulness: Make sure all facts and figures in your appeals are accurate, including program accomplishments, financial information, and statistics about the issues you address. Avoid creating any misleading impression. If you make claims about your program’s effectiveness or impact, ensure you have sufficient documentation to back them up.

• Use Stories and Photos Responsibly: If you feature a story or photo about a specific individual or event, verify that it accurately reflects the situation described. If photos or stories are more than three years old, identify their age so readers don’t assume they represent current situations. For those interested in more guidance, see our previous post about photos and images in fundraising appeals.

• Establish a Review Process: Problems with fundraising appeals can arise when fundraising operates in isolation from the rest of the organization. To help prevent this, charities should establish a regular review process that involves key staff such as legal and finance personnel, use internal guidelines or checklists to avoid recurring issues, and promote a culture of transparency and information-sharing across the organization.

• Update Communication Materials: Review and update website content and annual reports regularly to ensure they provide a current, clear, and accurate picture of the charity’s mission, programs, and impact. Donors increasingly rely on these materials when evaluating transparency and trustworthiness.

Tips for Donors Reviewing Charity Appeals

The following tips can help donors assess the accuracy and transparency of charity appeals and materials:

• Understand What You are Supporting: Look for clear descriptions of the charity’s programs and services, including how and where donations will be used.

• Check for Accuracy: Review appeals carefully to ensure claims about impact, accomplishments, and finances appear accurate and well supported.

• Review Stories and Images Carefully: Consider whether stories and photos accurately reflect the individuals, events, or situations described. If images or stories are more than three years old, they should be identified as such. If a photo or appeal appears to be AI-generated, you may also want to look for disclosure or ask the charity for additional information.

• Review Website and Annual Reports: Check the charity’s website and annual reports for current, clear, and consistent information.

• Ask Questions: If you have questions about a charity’s fundraising appeals, programs, or how donations are used, contact the charity directly for clarification. 

Give With Confidence

Before making a donation, take a moment to look beyond the appeal. Visit Give.org to see whether the charity you’re considering meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability and to better understand its transparency and accountability practices.

---

Recent Reports

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

• Mississippi Children’s Museum
• International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
• Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic (SAFE) Project US

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.