Giving USA 2022: Key Insights and What They Mean for the Future of Philanthropy

The newest Giving USA 2022 Annual Report was released in late June 2022, offering a comprehensive look at charitable giving trends across the U.S. For over forty years, Giving USA has equipped fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, donors, and sector professionals with essential data to guide strategy and resource allocation.

Following the challenges of 2020, Americans remained generous, forward-focused, and committed to making an impact in 2021. While the full report is behind a paywall, Lindsay Simonds Consulting (LSC) has pulled the most important highlights to help you stay informed and strategic. Let’s dive in!

1. Giving Is Resilient, Even in Uncertain Times

In good times and bad, philanthropy remains a cornerstone of American life. Giving USA’s 2022 data proves that even after a record year of giving in 2020, Americans showed no “compassion fatigue” in 2021.

  • Total giving grew 4.0% over 2020.
  • When adjusted for inflation, giving was essentially flat (+0.2%).

What to consider:
As we face economic uncertainty, nonprofits must prepare now for potential downturns. Strong endowments, general reserves, and clear, passionate messaging will be key. Donors want to see their Theory of Change activated—show them the impact of their dollars at work!

2. Mega Donors Are Shaping the Landscape

In 2021, individual giving accounted for 67% of total charitable giving, largely due to massive “mega-gifts” from High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), totaling over $15 billion.

  • Mega Gifts in 2020: $10.1 billion
  • Mega Gifts in 2021: $14.9 billion
  • The number of billionaires grew from 2,668 to 2,755 between 2020 and 2021.

What to consider:
While mega donors are generous, the declining participation of average households in giving is troubling. Nonprofits must double down on inclusive fundraising strategies that invite families of all economic levels to participate meaningfully.

Focus on activating your top donors—and encourage them to use their Time, Talent, Treasure, and Testimony to inspire others.

3. Corporate Giving: Growth with Caution

Corporate giving grew around 4% in 2021. However, considering corporate profits increased 37.4%, giving has not kept pace with corporate success.

What to consider:
Corporations bounced back after COVID-19, but nonprofits must remember: corporate giving can be volatile. Build direct relationships with corporate employees—not just executives—and offer engagement opportunities that connect your mission with their passion.

According to America’s Charities, 33% of employees don’t give through their workplace because their favorite causes aren’t included. Prioritize mission alignment first before designing corporate volunteer opportunities.

4. Sector Growth: Some Big Wins, Some Caution Ahead

While a few subsectors saw slowed growth, many experienced strong two-year gains:

Steady Growth:

  • Environment, public-society benefit, and foundations grew over 15% between 2020 and 2021.
  • Public-society benefit organizations grew in 11 of the last 12 years.

Rebounding:

  • Arts, culture, and humanities bounced back strongly with a 27.5% growth after a tough 2020.
  • Health and religious organizations also saw moderate growth.

Slower Growth:

  • Education, international affairs, and human services saw slower or slightly declining growth in 2021.

What to consider:
Stay mission-focused. Avoid letting economic news or fear-based narratives derail your communications. Donors respond to bold visions and frequent, authentic updates. Plan your work and work your plan, as Lindsay’s mom wisely advises!

5. Technology Is Redefining Giving—Permanently

For the first time, online giving accounted for 12% of all charitable donations. Technology is no longer optional—it’s essential.

What to consider:
Audit your digital donation tools. Make sure donors can give within three minutes or less. Use technology to personalize communications, automate recurring gifts, and deepen donor engagement.

Recurring giving programs show 80–90% retention rates—far outperforming one-time donors.

Flexibility, innovation, and strong community engagement are the future of nonprofit success.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Change

The nonprofit sector is evolving rapidly. Staffing challenges, hybrid workplaces, supply chain disruptions, and a greater demand for transparency are shaping a new philanthropic era.

Now is the time to innovate, invite, and inspire. Leave no stone unturned as you reimagine your fundraising practices—and keep your mission at the heart of everything.

See more Giving USA 2022 key findings here.
Explore global philanthropy trends for broader insights.

 

How LSC Can Help

At Lindsay Simonds Consulting, we help nonprofits activate transformational growth through:

  • Executive coaching
  • Board retreats
  • Annual planning
  • Capital campaign management
  • Major gifts donor engagement strategies

We combine a 10-figure fundraising mindset with the operations of a harmonious team to drive results. Need help interpreting these trends and building your action plan? Get in touch.

Stay Connected

Follow Lindsay Simonds on LinkedIn for insights and updates.
You can also connect with Lindsay via Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, Clubhouse, and the official website.

Special thanks to Nathan Chappell, co-author of The Generosity Crisis, for sharing critical insights into national giving trends.