Giving USA 2026: 3 Things You Need to Know
Happy 250th birthday America!
Gather round the campfire, kids. Not to brag, but I remember back in 1776 – oops make that 1976 – I was a proud member of the Bicentennial high school senior class of Azusa High.
My bedroom, and I am not making this up, was red, white, and blue (the red carpet was very chic). Though not red, white, and blue, I also had stunning paint-by-number renderings of Jesus and his mother, Mary, hanging in my room. That's the kind of person I was. Total class act.
Today, to be truly patriotic, I’d have a slight wash of green over everything…if you get my drift.
But again, happy birthday to the U.S. of A. May we keep working on living up to its lofty and much-needed ideals.
Hooray! My favorite survey has just been released – Giving USA 2026, researched and written by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The report tells us what good folk gave and what they were giving to in 2025.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. If you only read one thing – let it be this…
Legacy giving continues to increase year over year. In 2025, it represented 10% of the giving pie. Here’s the eye-opening stat – this number increased by nearly 20% from 2024.
Let this be another reminder that up to 76% of adults do not have a will. Folks, that is not good. And those who do have a will? Between 6-7% leave something to a nonprofit (including churches).
Have I mentioned that August is Make-a-Will month? Please, please, please, remind your people to leave something to the church in their will, trust, or even through a life insurance policy.
2. Giving to religion remained steady at 23%. $151.58 billion went to religion. That represents a slight increase of 2.4% over 2025. Even adjusted for inflation – giving remained flat (which, no kidding, is better than going lower). We may be down from back in the old days of the 1980s when religious giving was at 60% - but we’ll take stability for right now.
3. Americans continue to be generous. A total of $617.20 billion was given in 2025. 64% of that came from individuals (an increase of 4.1% over 2025). Can you tell a good story? Can you make a compelling reason for people to give (beyond obligation)? If you can…you are way ahead of the game.
What a way to celebrate America by recognizing its generous people, foundations, and corporations. And while you’re at it, be sure to recognize your people of faith for their giving hearts too.
Why generosity is as American as apple pie.
###Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship – helping with capital campaigns and encouraging more generosity. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise millions of dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. She loves Ray Charles’ rendition of America the Beautiful. It's one for the ages.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
Schedule a meeting now.
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