Most Americans Are Not Planning Year-End Charitable Donations

Mon Dec 22 2025 17:04:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that many Americans lack plans for charitable donations by year-end, indicating a significant gap in contributions despite ongoing appeals from nonprofits.

According to a new AP-NORC poll, only 18% of U.S. adults have donated and plan to donate again by the end of the year, while a significant 30% do not intend to contribute at all. Factors such as competing financial priorities, including inflation and national events, have impacted charitable giving. The month of December remains crucial for nonprofits, but funds from individuals seem to be dwindling with only 10% donating on GivingTuesday compared to their Black Friday spending. Interestingly, some are opting for checkout donations at retail stores, showing a shift in how people contribute.

NEW YORK (AP) — Most Americans aren’t making end-of-year charitable giving plans, according to a new AP-NORC poll, highlighting a lack of financial readiness to give despite the numerous appeals from nonprofits that often rely on last-minute donations to meet annual goals.

The survey indicates that approximately half of U.S. adults have already donated for the year 2025, while just 18% are likely to contribute again by December 31. Alarmingly, 30% plan to skip any donations altogether.

Donors face competing financial pressures this year influenced by various factors including inflation and cuts in social service grants under the Trump administration. In addition, severe weather and other emergencies have resulted in many urgent needs for assistance.

December is traditionally a critical month for charity, with estimates suggesting nearly one-third of all annual contributions happen in this period. Dianne Chipps Bailey from Bank of America emphasizes its importance, stating it gives donors a target to meet their giving intentions.

Perhaps most startlingly, the poll revealed that fewer people donated on GivingTuesday compared to those participating in Black Friday festivities. Only about 10% managed to give on this designated day for giving, a stark comparison against the near half of consumers participating in Black Friday spending.

As the year comes to a close, many Americans might reconsider their financial capacity and be inspired to donate, yet others continue to tighten their belts considering their ongoing debts.

Some individuals have reported turning to checkout donations at retail stores, which could signal a shift to more spontaneous yet smaller contributions. As the nationwide survey underlines, the outlook for charitable giving seems tentative as the year wraps up.