NEW YORK (Echosphere) — A recent survey conducted by the AP-NORC Center suggests that the majority of Americans are not engaging in end-of-year charitable giving. This is significant as nonprofits typically rely on December donations to meet their annual fundraising goals.

According to the poll conducted in early December, almost 50% of U.S. adults reported they have already made their charitable contributions for this year, while only 18% plan to donate again before the year's end. Alarmingly, 30% of respondents indicated they do not plan to donate at all.

The financial landscape has shifted dramatically for everyday donors. With surges in inflation affecting lower-income households and government funding cuts impacting social services, many individuals have reevaluated their charitable contributions. The recent economic pressures have led to a decline in individual giving nationwide.

Despite the traditional rush to donate in December, particularly on GivingTuesday—a day dedicated to charitable giving—many Americans have focused their resources on holiday shopping instead. Recent reports estimate that while billions were raised on GivingTuesday, retail events like Black Friday captured a significantly larger share of spending money.

One donor, Chuck Dietrick, expressed the challenges many face, stating, 'I would rather give a smaller amount to a variety of institutions that I care about rather than giving a big chunk of money to one.' His unique approach, known as a 'shotgun approach', allows him to support various causes.

While many people are feeling the pressure, some individuals continue to find ways to contribute, even in small amounts during checkout at retail stores. Approximately 40% of the respondents noted that they have donated at the register this year.

Dianne Chipps Bailey from Bank of America emphasized the importance of December for donor contributions, highlighting that one-third of annual giving occurs in this month alone. Yet, amid competing priorities like living costs and holiday expenses, Americans are finding it difficult to allocate their finances towards charitable causes.

With the final weeks of 2025 upon us, it remains to be seen if Americans will rally together to support their communities in meaningful ways.