A new Gallup survey has found that charitable giving in the U.S. continues on a downward trajectory, while rates of volunteerism have rebounded from lows during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a related metric, the percentage of American adults who regularly donate blood has remained relatively steady.
The poll found in 2025, more than three-fourths (76%) of those surveyed said they had given money to a religious organization or another charitable cause in the past year. That represents a 25-year low and a steady decline from a high of 87% in 2005.
At a 25-year high, however, just shy of two-thirds (63%) of respondents said they had volunteered with a religious or other charitable organization in the previous year. Volunteerism has remained relatively steady since Gallup first asked the question in 2001 and has recovered from a pandemic-era low of 56% in 2021.
The rate of those who regularly donate blood has also remained steady, with 17% of respondents in the most recent survey reporting donating in the past year. The highest rate in this category was 21% in 2001, the year of the September 11 attacks on the U.S.
Generationally, age is a strong indicator of charitable giving and volunteering. The survey found 81% of those ages 55 and older had donated to charitable causes in the previous year. Though at a lower rate, younger adults are still consistent financial givers, with 69% of those ages 18–34 reporting they had given money to a religious or other charitable organization over the past year.
More information from Gallup’s survey, including a link to the topline results and methodology, can be found here.
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