Story perspectives

U.S. Charitable Giving Hits $617 B Record, Impact Investing Rises

7/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. charitable giving hit a record $617.2 billion in 2025, with individuals contributing $394 billion, a 1.4 % increase after inflation.
Foundations gave $117 billion, while bequests rose nearly 17 % after inflation, linked to market performance, according to Amir Pasic, dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Younger heirs anticipate a $124 trillion wealth transfer by 2048, prompting a shift toward impact investing, according to Melissa Stevens, executive vice president of Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy.

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Story summary

U.S. charitable giving hit a record $617.2 billion in 2025, with individuals contributing $394 billion, a 1.4 % increase after inflation.
Foundations gave $117 billion, while bequests rose nearly 17 % after inflation, linked to market performance, according to Amir Pasic, dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Younger heirs anticipate a $124 trillion wealth transfer by 2048, prompting a shift toward impact investing, according to Melissa Stevens, executive vice president of Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy.