Top giving trends and insights for Rescue Missions
From Michael J. Tomlinson (“MT”), CEO, BDI
As nonprofit leaders, we know that every new season brings unique opportunities and challenges – moments to pause, reflect and adapt. The release of Giving USA’s 2025 Annual Report on Philanthropy offers exactly that: a chance to calibrate our compasses and navigate forward with clarity.
This year, as Giving USA marks its 70th report, the insights provided are particularly valuable, illuminating key trends shaping the philanthropic landscape over the previous decades, and the past year. The wealth of knowledge shared by The Giving Institute in this year’s installment provides enough fodder for numerous articles!
So I want to focus in on 3 key takeaways from the latest report I find particularly relevant to Rescue Missions. Let’s dig into it!
KEY TAKEAWAY #1: Total Giving on the Rise
Over the past year, charitable giving in the U.S. reached a staggering height of $592.5 billion! What an encouragement to see the enduring generosity of American donors so clearly.
Strong GDP growth, record corporate profits and 20%+ S&P gains signal new economic resilience.
Total giving grew 6.3% in current dollars. Adjusted for inflation, giving grew 3.3%.
And as an industry, 7 out of 9 fundraising subsectors saw growth in 2024, even after adjusting for inflation.
If you’ve been following these Giving USA reports for the last few years, you’ll remember that until recently, adjustments for inflation showed a decline in giving. Encouraging indeed to see growth even after the inflation adjustment.
KEY TAKEAWAY #2: Human Services Are Struggling… Slightly
Despite increases in giving among the majority of fundraising subsectors, giving to human services has seen a slight decline – from 15.6% to 15.4% year over year.
While modest, this reduction is significant given the increasing demands on Rescue Missions and similar organizations that provide life-saving, life-changing services for people in need.
The overall pool of charitable dollars is growing… so how can Rescue Missions secure their vital share? This challenge calls us to engage deeply with donors through compelling storytelling and meaningful relationships.
In light of this trend, the Donor Empowerment Model becomes more crucial than ever to ensuring our organizations’ longevity into the future. We must actively invite donors, through deepening relationships with them, to participate in our work of transforming lives.e frequent touchpoints to raise awareness and inspire trust, and greater control for donors when it comes to their privacy and preferences. .
KEY TAKEAWAY #3: Donors are looking for new ways to give.
Perhaps the most exciting takeaway from this year’s report is the increasing diversification of giving methods. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), crowdfunding, peer-to-peer giving platforms and IRA distributions are becoming central to donor engagement, particularly among the next generation of charitable givers.
DAF giving has expanded beyond ultra-wealthy major donors, to everyday supporters with incomes ranging from $50,000-$200,000.
For Rescue Missions, embracing these innovations means not just keeping pace but staying ahead. Our organizations must proactively incorporate these methods into our fundraising strategies, recognizing that today’s donors seek convenience, flexibility and deeper personal connections with the causes they support.
Looking to the Future with Hope
As nonprofit leaders, our commitment to our causes – and to the supporters who are part of our fold – must remain steadfast. The insights from Giving USA’s 2025 report offer not just clarity but encouragement. Growth is happening, innovation is flourishing and the need for our vital services continues.
Let us boldly embrace these trends, empowered to deepen relationships with donors whose hearts align with ours, and whose generosity is found in abundance.
Together, we can ensure that our transformative services continue in our communities, bringing hope and healing where they are needed most.
