On any given day, generosity in the U.S. can be easy to miss. It’s rarely a grand gesture. More often, it looks like a small donation made in passing, a few hours volunteered after work, or someone helping a neighbor in need. These moments don’t make headlines, but together, they add up something much bigger: an ingrained culture of giving across the U.S. 

In a year shaped by broader shifts across the social sector, Americans didn’t step away from generosity. If anything, their habits held steady. 

The 2026 World Giving Report offers a closer look at that story; one not defined by dramatic change, but by consistency, resilience, and the ways people continue to show up for one another. 

Here are seven insights that reveal what generosity looks like in the U.S. today: 

1. A high level of generosity is seen across the U.S.  

Roughly three-quarters of U.S. adults gave money, time, or goods in 2025. These behaviors are largely on par with 2024 levels of generosity. Despite economic uncertainty and sector changes, charitable giving by U.S. donors continues to be a core behavior, not an occasional one. 

2. Americans tend to prioritize giving money to charitable organizations  

About four-in-ten U.S. adults donated to charities, compared to one-third who gave directly to those in need (41% and 33%, respectively). This preference sets the U.S. apart globally, where people are just as likely to give directly to individuals (36%) as they are through formal charitable channels (34%). In the U.S., structured philanthropy still holds a central, trusted role for donors. 

3. The average American donated less than 1% of their income in 2025 (.9%) 

While participation is high, the share of income given tells a more nuanced story. On average, Americans donated 0.9% of their income, placing the U.S. in the middle of global rankings. The largest share of income was given in Nigeria (2.8%) and the smallest in Japan (.2%). Out of the 105 nations surveyed, the U.S. ranked 47th. Among donors only, the U.S ranks 58th globally, with American donors giving an average of 1.5% of their income (global donor average = 1.6%; range: .6-3.2%). 

4. The most common reason Americans cite for not donating in 2025 is a lack of funds (66% of non-donors) 

For those who did not give, the primary reason for not donating is straightforward; about 66% say they simply cannot afford to. What’s striking is that this general sentiment persists even among affluent households. It underscores that perceived financial security, not just actual income, plays a powerful role in shaping whether people give. When looking at the global results, residents of higher-income nations are more likely to say they couldn’t afford it compared with those in less affluent countries (44% vs. 36%).  

5. Most Americans hold a positive view of charities, especially charities working locally  

Trust in charities remains strong, but it is not evenly distributed. Six-in-ten U.S. adults report high trust in charities working locally, compared to 48% for organizations operating nationally, and just 28% for ones working internationally.  

Proximity matters as well. The closer people feel to an organization, geographically or personally, the more likely they are to trust and support.  

When looking at trust ratings from other nations, the locality of a charity plays less of a role.

6. Clarity and transparency would foster greater giving 

Americans aren’t just willing to give, they’re open to giving more. Six-in-ten U.S. adults say they would increase their donations if charities offered clearer insights into their impact and greater transparency in how they operate (61%).  

For social purpose organizations, this presents a clear path forward: stronger communication can directly translate into greater generosity. 

7. Being part of a community plays a key role in generosity in the U.S.  

Generosity doesn’t happen in isolation; it grows through connection. Americans who feel more connected to their communities (local, religious, and/or online communities) donate significantly more – nearly three times as much of their income (1.4% vs. 0.5%) compared to those who feel less connected. Perceived social norms and a sense of belonging reinforce giving behaviors, making community one of the most powerful drivers of generosity. 

What this means 

While many of the findings from this year’s World Giving Report closely mirror those from last year, the consistency itself is telling.  

Across a changing social and economic landscape, Americans remain engaged in generosity, continuing to give, trust, and participate in ways that reflect an enduring commitment to philanthropy. At the same time, the nuances within the data highlight important areas to watch, from the role of perceived financial security to the influence of trust, transparency, and community connection. 

These insights offer both reassurance and opportunity. They affirm that the foundation for giving in the U.S. remains strong, while also pointing to ways that organizations and donors alike can strengthen and grow that generosity.