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Highlights From Giving USA 2022 Report

The annual Giving USA Report is the longest-running report on philanthropic activity in the United States. Ruotolo is pleased to share some of the trends and findings from this year’s report which was released June 21, 2022!

  • American Philanthropy remained strong in 2021 at $484.85 Billion (larger than the size of some countries’ economies!)
  • Many challenges were present from 2020 to 2021 – Covid-19 impacts continued, racial and social justice movements continued, and the newest challenge – the highest rates of inflation seen in the US in 40 years…but the economy was still strong in 2021 which allowed for continued philanthropy.
  • Giving in 2021 grew nominally but did not keep pace with inflation.
    • 67% of all giving comes from individuals – still the strongest group of givers
    • Positive 2-year growth for all categories
    • Corporate giving is the bright spot in 2021 – due to increased pre-tax profits
      • Individuals and Foundations – grew in current dollars and achieved near records 2021 saw many very large gifts from individuals – accounting for close to 5% of all individual giving; Foundations continued their innovation created in 2020
      • Corporate Giving – increased in 2021 as pretax profits grew and allowed for expanded philanthropic resources. Additionally, businesses rebounded after 2020
      • Health and the Arts saw a rebound in donations in 2021 after the challenges of 2020
      • Some sectors that did very well in 2020 saw more moderate support in 2021: Human Services, Education, and International Affairs. But in a two-year period, there was strong growth in all of these sectors
  • Areas to watch in the future – giving in the Public Society Benefit area, Foundations, and Animals and the Environment. Giving in these areas tends to be linked to the strong economy
  • Technology has taken on an outsized role in philanthropy – hybrid events are here to stay!
    • 12% of total giving occurred online in 2021 – this is the first time seeing double digits in this category
    • Nonprofits will need to stay agile in this ever-changing environment
    • Staffing is also a very challenging new issue in businesses, and is also effecting nonprofits.

Overall, the philanthropic landscape continues to be strong in the Unites States. The way donations are given continues to change and nonprofits will need to be flexible to continue to grow.

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