Reference: Statistics: “U.S. Charitable Giving: 2014 Results & Initial 2015 Forecast”

Total Charitable Giving in 2014 was a record $456.73 Billion – up 9.3% over 2013. This extraordinary sum was fueled by favorable economic factors that drive giving, an increasing number of nonprofits, the impact of donor advised funds and new and more effective fundraising technologies and techniques.

Charitable Giving in the U.S. is primarily a function of specific economic, demographic, and event factors. Individuals cannot give unless they have disposable income or surplus assets such as stock or real estate.

Grant-making foundations are able to give more when the values of their investment portfolios grow. Corporate donors are able to give when their earnings are strong and their debt is low. Growing numbers of nonprofits means more new

giving.

An improved employment picture drove much of the growth. Individual donors account for 74% of all U.S. giving. As a result, improving employment significantly impacts the overall U.S. giving total.