Giving USA Data and Reports
Giving USA (a public service initiative of The Giving Institute) is the seminal publication reporting on charitable giving in the United States, with a mission to inspire generosity through accurate data and trend analysis, fostering a better understanding of philanthropy.
For over 60 years, it has been a trusted resource for fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, donors, scholars, and others in the charitable sector. The report adheres to rigorous methodologies, estimating total charitable giving annually. It incorporates up-to-date data and methodological approaches. Research is conducted by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, covering all charitable organizations nationwide.
NONPROFITS CAN LEVERAGE THE GIVING USA DATA TO ENHANCE THEIR FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES IN SEVERAL WAYS:
1. BENCHMARKING AND GOAL SETTING
- Analyze historical trends and compare your organization’s fundraising performance to national averages.
- Set realistic fundraising goals based on sector-wide data and adjust them for your specific context.
2. DONOR INSIGHTS
- Understand donor behavior by examining which giving sources (individuals, foundations, corporations) are growing or declining.
- Identify trends in bequests, major gifts, and online donations to tailor your outreach.
3. SEGMENTATION AND PERSONALIZATION
- Segment donors based on demographics, giving patterns, and preferences.
- Craft personalized appeals and stewardship efforts aligned with donor interests.
4. TIMING AND CAMPAIGN DESIGN
- Use data on seasonal giving patterns to time your campaigns effectively.
- Design targeted campaigns around key events (e.g., Giving Tuesday) or specific causes.
5. FUNDRAISING CHANNELS
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different channels (direct mail, online, events) based on national data.
- Optimize your mix of fundraising channels to maximize impact.
OTHER RESOURCES:
SPECIAL REPORTS
Every year, Giving USA releases special reports on key topics in the sector to which you will have free access as a Giving USA subscriber. Previous Special Reports that have been published include research on topics like Donor Advised Funds, Legacy Giving, and Workplace Giving. In addition, Giving USA releases an Annual State Laws Report. These special reports provide you access to a deep dive into the data of emerging challenges and trends affecting philanthropy and fundraising.
TABLEAU VISUALIZATION
Giving USA and Salesforce.org joined forces to create the Giving USA Data Tableau Visualization of the full giving history in the USA from 1980-2022. This interactive visualization grants nonprofit fundraisers access to leverage sector-wide macro data to compare and model the giving trends that drive decision making and forecasting at organizations.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
An annual subscription grants you access to all of Giving USA’s insights, reports, and exclusive webinars for the current report year as well as access to all historical reports and insights from previous years to help your organization benchmark fundraising performance against national data, plan for the future based on long-term trends in giving, educate new staff members and board members in the broad context of philanthropic giving, and make data informed decisions to strengthen your fundraising, grant making, or other philanthropic activity.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BECOME A SUBSCRIBER, VISIT THE GIVING USA FOUNDATION.
The Giving Institute Annual Summer Symposium
The Giving Institute’s Annual Summer Symposium brings together members from various backgrounds to engage in learning, sharing, and networking. This event serves as a platform to discuss best business practices and explore current trends in philanthropy. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this symposium offers valuable insights and connections.
Each year, a limited number of “golden tickets” are made available to businesses who are considering membership so that they can attend at a discounted rate and experience first-hand the positive impact The Giving Institute can have on member organizations and their leaders. To learn more about the “golden ticket” program, click here (with a hyperlink that will open up an email form to MCI?). This unique opportunity allows firms that are considering membership to experience firsthand the impact that The Giving Institute can have on you and your organization.
Member Insights
Learn More About This Month’s Topic.
- MEMBER INSIGHTS BLOG
Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Philanthropy: Insights for Fundraising Professionals
The philanthropic landscape is undergoing significant transformations, presenting both challenges and opportunities for fundraising professionals and fundraising consultants.
Webinars
Provided as a membership benefit and open to all employees from member firms, online webinars are a powerful tool for the Giving Institute to deliver knowledge, foster engagement, and build community among our member firms. These online presentations and roundtable discussions allow participants to engage with presenters through interactive discussions, Q&A, and polls. Webinars are also recorded, making them accessible for future viewing. The flexibility, no-cost, and interactive nature makes them an essential component of the Giving Institute’s education, thought leadership, and professional development.
Mentor Series
Passing down valuable knowledge and best practices ensures that key insights and expertise are preserved within the fundraising sector. The Mentor Series helps new consultants fast-track the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their roles. Facilitated by experienced Giving Institute members, it is designed for consultants and technology team members who have been in their roles for less than five years. During the one-day program, mentees learn directly from experienced Giving Institute professionals through educational sessions, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities focused on topics such how to manage client and customer expectations and manage projects, fundraising trends and lead practices, and critical skills for consulting and sales. Attendees walk away from the Mentor Series better prepared to contribute to their clients’ success.
