Every act of generosity and volunteerism strengthens our social fabric.
Civil society is the bedrock of America’s strength. We have a history of generosity rooted in the collective efforts of millions of everyday Americans who dedicate their time and resources to causes they care about, collectively creating monumental social good.
This fundamental aspect of our identity goes beyond meeting local needs. Everyday giving and volunteering mobilize communities around shared values. It bridges divides and fosters connections. It empowers us to imagine—and build—a better future. It encourages broad civic engagement—the kind that is vital for a thriving democracy.
Despite the enduring strength of overall giving in America, underlying data raises concerns. While total contributions have increased year-over-year, fewer Americans are making those contributions.
According to Indiana University’s , 2018 marked the first time in their research that less than half of households reported any charitable giving. More recent data from shows this decline continued post-pandemic–in 2021, fewer people donated to nonprofit groups than did so in 2019. Similarly, found that the rate of volunteering had fallen from 30% in 2019 to 23% in 2021—the steepest decline in the history of their research, going back to 2002. These numbers are concerning, but they also serve as a call to action and a pathway toward a stronger future.
We are the co-chairs of the Generosity Commission, a blue-ribbon panel of social sector leaders committed to highlighting the vital role of what we call “everyday givers and volunteers,” celebrating their efforts, and encouraging others to join them.
The Commission’s capstone report, “Everyday Actions, Extraordinary Potential: The Power of Giving and Volunteering,” released today, proposes several hypotheses to explain the steep decline in giving to and volunteering with nonprofits. Economic hardship is a primary factor. Moreover, our systems are not designed to encourage everyday giving and volunteering. Tax incentives for charitable giving, for instance, are not available for those who can only contribute smaller amounts.
Our report points to other possible social factors, including , the decline in religious and civic connection, and a general decrease in social trust. These factors paint a complex picture of generosity today—and underscore the civic power and potential of the act of giving and volunteering.
In fact, everyday giving—of money or time—is a leading indicator of other forms of civic engagement. The University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute, in research commissioned by the Generosity Commission, found that generous, or “pro-social” behaviors tend to cluster. Individuals who volunteer and donate are more likely to participate in organized groups and even to.
In an era of sharp polarization and widespread loneliness, it’s hard to imagine something more critical. We recognize that giving and volunteering are the primary ways Americans practice the essential human endeavor of working together for a greater purpose; that they serve as an indispensable foundation of connection. It turns out, they are also fundamental pillars of our democracy.
To further expand the base of American generosity, we need to engage all segments of our society. Businesses can contribute by encouraging employees to give and volunteer, and by developing their own social impact programs. Engaging public figures, community leaders, and business leaders, and encouraging them to speak publicly about how and why they participate in their communities can create a ripple effect. Taking younger generations seriously and empowering their innovative impulses can build a stronger foundation for future participation.
Further research into the evolving nature of generosity, and making research more accessible, are also crucial components in any effort to reverse our current trajectory. In this endeavor, charitable organizations of all sizes can be further empowered to dedicate resources to encourage everyday giving and volunteering, so that they can reach everyday givers and volunteers at the grassroots level instead of being driven to only seek support from larger donors.
While the challenges facing civil society are significant, they are not insurmountable. Significant, coordinated actions across our society—like the recommendations outlined in this report—can reengage Americans in the time-honored tradition of supporting each other through nonprofit groups, and inducting new generations into the same.
All sectors, media organizations, academic institutions, and each one of us, have a role to play in this effort. In an era where we disagree more on a shared vision for our future than ever before, few endeavors could be more worthwhile.