Survey Reveals Americans Are Hesitant to Give Charitably This Year

Mon Dec 22 2025 16:36:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent AP-NORC poll indicates that many Americans have not made plans for year-end charitable donations, with only 18% of respondents having donated and planning to do so again before the year's end.

According to a new AP-NORC survey, most Americans are not preparing for year-end charitable donations this December. While nearly one-third of annual giving typically occurs during this month, only 18% of respondents have donated this year. Factors such as competing priorities and financial constraints have contributed to a decline in charitable contributions. Experts highlight concerns over federal funding cuts and ongoing inflation that hinder donation abilities among lower-income households.

NEW YORK (AP) — A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that a majority of Americans are not planning their end-of-year charitable giving, despite the multitude of fundraising appeals from nonprofits during December. The survey highlights that approximately half of U.S. adults have completed their charitable contributions for 2025, while only 18% report they will donate again before year-end. Additionally, 30% indicate they have not donated and do not intend to.

This trend is attributed to numerous competing priorities, including rising inflation and recent cuts to social services, which have left many donors with limited disposable income. The survey highlights that many Americans, particularly those in lower-income brackets, feel financial pressure, affecting their ability to make donations.

Dianne Chipps Bailey, managing director of Bank of America’s Philanthropic Solutions, emphasizes that December serves as a critical deadline for charitable contributions, with an estimated one-third of annual giving occurring in this final month.

The survey found that while GivingTuesday is a significant day for fundraising efforts—the day brings in around $4 billion for nonprofits—Americans were more inclined to shop during Black Friday than to donate on GivingTuesday. This disparity illustrates the challenges nonprofits face in securing donations during a financially strenuous holiday season.

Some individuals, like 69-year-old architect Chuck Dietrick, adopt a diverse approach to donations, but with a clear sentiment of giving despite tighter budgets. On the other hand, many donors express concern over the impact of federal funding cuts but report that these situations have not significantly altered their giving habits.

The results underscore a complex landscape for charitable giving this year, as Americans balance personal financial pressures with the desire to contribute to pressing social causes.