NEW YORK — A recent AP-NORC survey reveals that a majority of Americans are not making plans for end-of-year charitable giving, despite the many appeals from nonprofits that rely on increased donations during December to meet their annual budget goals.
Conducted in early December, the poll shows approximately half of U.S. adults have already made their charitable donations for the year, with only 18% stating they intend to donate further before the year concludes. Notably, a significant 30% of respondents indicated they have not donated and do not plan to do so.
The struggling economy, characterized by stagnant income growth and rising inflation, has diminished disposable income for many, particularly among lower-income households. This situation has compounded the ongoing trend of declining charitable contributions nationwide.
Several factors have contributed to Americans’ reluctance to give, including a series of federal funding cuts in social services and increased everyday expenses due to inflation. Additionally, a recent government shutdown, coupled with the emergence of various urgent causes—from natural disasters to legislative impacts—has left many potential donors feeling financially strained.
December represents a critical deadline for many donors, according to industry experts. Dianne Chipps Bailey of Bank of America highlighted that nearly one-third of annual charitable contributions occur in December, making it a strategic time for nonprofits to secure necessary funding.
Although Giving Tuesday, a high-profile day for charitable giving, saw estimated donations totaling around $4 billion this year, many Americans reported more spending on Black Friday than on charity. Only about 1 in 10 participants in the same poll managed to donate that day.
While some individuals, like 69-year-old architect Chuck Dietrick, reaffirm their commitment to donating annually, many others cite financial constraints that make it difficult to support causes as they would like. Indeed, nearly 4 in 10 adults claims to have donated at retail checkouts, indicating a shift to smaller, more manageable contributions that can still benefit charities without overextending personal budgets.
Even in light of budget cuts affecting nonprofit funding, many respondents expressed the intention to maintain or adjust their giving habits, underscoring a complex relationship between individual financial situations and philanthropic engagement.
The AP-NORC poll reflects the wider socio-economic environment, revealing both the challenges and aspirations of American donors navigating a year marked by economic unpredictability.
