Where Did the Contributions Go?
The largest portion of donations, $145.81 billion or 24%, went to religious organizations, demonstrating the enduring importance of faith-based initiatives. Education received $87.69 billion (14%), reflecting a significant 11.1% increase from 2022. Human services attracted $88.84 billion (14%), while contributions to health-related causes totaled $56.58 billion (9%).
Foundations received $80.03 billion (13%), and public-society benefit organizations saw $62.81 billion (10%) in donations. Arts, culture, and humanities received $25.26 billion (4%), representing a notable 11% increase. The environment and animal-related causes received $21.20 billion (3%), while international affairs attracted $29.94 billion (5%), a modest 2.5% increase in comparison to the previous year.
The Giving USA 2023 report shows that inflation has had a significant impact on the giving power of charitable donations. Despite nominal increases in donations across most categories, the real value of these contributions, when adjusted for inflation, often tells a different story. For instance, donations to religious organizations grew by 3.1% in nominal terms, but this translates to a 1.0% decrease in real terms after adjusting for inflation. Similarly, contributions to international affairs saw a nominal increase of 2.5%, yet an inflation-adjusted decline of 1.6%. This discrepancy highlights that while donors may be giving more in dollar terms, the actual purchasing power of these funds is diminished, a challenge the philanthropic market must confront head-on.
Sources of Generosity
Giving USA identified that the majority of donations came from individuals, who contributed $374.40 billion (67%)—a 1.6% increase from 2022. Foundations followed with $103.53 billion (19%), showing a 1.7% rise. Bequests accounted for $42.68 billion (8%), and corporate giving reached $36.55 billion (7%), growing by 3.0%.
Trends and Highlights
Five of the nine subsectors—human services, education, health, arts, culture, and humanities, and environment/animals—achieved their highest-ever donation levels in 2023, even when adjusted for inflation. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) continue to grow rapidly, indicating a shift in how people manage and direct their philanthropic efforts.
The Power of International Giving
Despite the cooling-off in contributions to international affairs, this form of giving remains a vital tool for global transformation. International donations support critical initiatives worldwide, from disaster relief to sustainable development, making a profound impact on countless lives. Last year, powerful earthquakes in Morocco, Turkey, and Syria created unfathomable damage, while the war in Ukraine continues to take its toll. Around the world, international non-profits are making a difference in fields like medical research, education, and economic development, but they need support to reach everyone. Luckily, American donors have proven time and again that they are committed to making a difference globally.
Friends of Fondation de France is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping American donors support causes in France and beyond through tax-deductible donations. Our mission is to bridge the gap between U.S. donors and international projects, ensuring that contributions make a meaningful difference. Discover our diverse projects on our website and see what international giving can achieve.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our generous donors for their unwavering support in 2023 and commitment to building a better world through their gifts. Thank you for making a difference.
