NEW YORK (AP) — A recent poll highlights a decline in year-end charitable giving among Americans, raising alarms for nonprofits that depend on donations during December to meet their funding goals. Conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, the survey found that around half of U.S. adults have already completed their charitable contributions for 2025, with only 18% planning to donate again before year-end.
This decline in charitable giving is compounded by significant financial pressures confronting many Americans. This year, competing financial obligations, such as inflationary costs and rising living expenses, have left lower-income households with less disposable income to support charitable causes. In fact, about 30% of adults reported that they had not donated at all and had no plans to do so.
Dianne Chipps Bailey, managing director of Bank of America’s Philanthropic Solutions, underscored the importance of December as a critical window for donations, asserting that nearly one-third of annual giving occurs in this month alone.
Despite having opportunities like GivingTuesday aimed at encouraging charitable actions, data shows that many Americans ended up shopping more than giving. Close to half of poll respondents reported making purchases during Black Friday, with only about 10% contributing to charities on GivingTuesday.
Some individuals, like 32-year-old Oakley Graham, expressed concerns over their tightened budgets, citing student debts and growing family needs that limit their capacity to donate. However, checkout charity options have gained popularity, with around 40% of respondents indicating they contributed to charity during retail transactions.
Among those still committed to giving, individuals employ varied strategies. For example, Chuck Dietrick, a 69-year-old architect, utilizes a “shotgun approach” to donations, spreading smaller donations across multiple organizations that resonate with his experiences.
While most donors indicated that federal funding cuts and government shutdowns had little impact on their giving amounts, approximately 30% noted these issues swayed their choice of charities. Many voiced a desire to support organizations that address pressing needs in their communities.
The AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,146 adults between December 4-8, with a margin of error of ±4 percentage points. As the year draws to a close, the need for charitable contributions remains essential, yet financial constraints pose a significant barrier for many Americans.
