GIVING IN 2021: THE RESULTS

Each year, Giving USA reports on giving trends throughout the United States from the previous year. The most recent report for 2021 found the following:

• Giving in the United States totaled nearly $485 billion in 2021. To put that in perspective, that’s more than the Gross Domestic Product of nations like Austria, Norway, Demark, New Zeeland, Israel, and South Africa.

• Giving rose $18.6 billion from 2020 to 2021.

• Giving rose by 4% from 2020 to 2021, but declined by 0.7% when inflation is factored in.

• Individuals made up 67% of all giving ($327 billion).

• Foundations made up 19% of all giving ($91 billion)

• Bequests made up 9% of all giving ($46 billion)

• Corporations made up 4% of all giving ($21 billion)

• Gifts made by billionaires totaled 5% of giving by individuals.

• Here’s where the charitable gifts went:

Religion 27%
Education 14%
Human Services 13%
Foundations 13%
Public Society Benefit 11%
Health 8%
International Affairs 5%
Arts 5%
Environment/Animals 3%
Individuals 2%