A recent public opinion poll showed that the majority of Americans participated in charitable giving in 2025, reflecting the continued culture of generosity in U.S. society despite the economic and political pressures experienced throughout the year, according to The Hill.
According to a survey conducted by the Associated Press in cooperation with the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, more than six in ten adults in the United States have either already donated or plan to donate before the end of the year. The survey found that 46 percent of respondents had already made donations, while 18 percent said they had donated and intended to give again before the end of 2025.
Donation Patterns and Influencing Factors
In contrast, 30 percent said they do not plan to donate this year, while 6 percent reported that they had not yet donated but intended to do so before year’s end — a period that typically sees a peak in fundraising activity.
The survey indicated that the most common recipients of donations were organizations assisting people in need within the United States, religious institutions, animal welfare organizations, disaster relief groups, and educational institutions. It also revealed that more than four in ten respondents provided direct support to people they personally know, donated to charities while shopping in stores, or contributed non-financial support within their local communities.
The poll highlighted educational differences in giving patterns, showing that Americans with college degrees were more likely to donate than those without higher education. Regarding political impact, most respondents who donated or planned to donate said that federal funding cuts and the 43-day government shutdown did not affect their charitable decisions. However, about 30 percent acknowledged that the cuts and shutdown influenced their giving choices during the year.
Policy Context and Survey Overview
These findings come amid decisions by the Trump administration to reduce funding for local governments, clean energy initiatives, and housing programs, as well as 2026 budget proposals that include significant cuts to education and changes to eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These measures have sparked widespread debate and legal challenges.
The survey was conducted between December 4 and December 8 among 1,146 adults via phone and online interviews, with a margin of error of 4 percent. Overall, the results paint a picture of continued social solidarity in the United States, even during a year marked by political and economic volatility.