Nonprofit News
Access the latest news in the nonprofit sector.
A Booming Economy Contributed to Strong Giving Results in 2019
According to Giving USA 2020: The Annual Report on Philanthropy, U.S. charitable giving reached $449.64 billion in 2019, a 4.2 percent increase in current dollars over 2018. Total giving in 2017, 2018, and 2019 represent the three highest levels on record.
In 2019, individuals drove this generosity, buoyed by a robust economic environment. The S&P 500 soared 28.9 percent over 2018,[1] while disposable personal income increased 4.3 percent[2] and GDP grew 4.1 percent,[3] all in current dollars. These three economic indicators are closely tied to charitable giving, paving the way for strong growth in giving in 2019.
The CARES Act and Philanthropy: Quick Facts for Your Nonprofit
Last updated: April 28, 2020
Over the last week, we’ve seen several provisions of the CARES Act—the major coronavirus response and relief bill that Congress passed—go into effect. If you’re wondering what that means for your organization, you’re not alone.
That's why we created this resource with background on the legislation, information on accessing the SBA program loans, and the potential impact on nonprofits.
Economy, Policy, and Tax Changes Contributed to Mixed Giving Results in 2018
According to Giving USA 2019: The Annual Report on Philanthropy, charitable giving in the United States reached $427.71 billion in 2018. This represents a slight increase of 0.7 percent in current dollars and a decline of 1.7 percent when adjusted for inflation. Following four years of steady growth in giving, these mixed results for 2018 reflect a complex giving environment, influenced by economic conditions, public policy, and significant tax law changes.
Tax Reform and Nonprofit Fundraising: Six Organizations Share Their Stories
The specter of tax reform has been looming over development programs since the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017, but has it made an impact so far?
There’s been plenty of speculation about how these tax changes—especially nearly doubling the standard deduction—may have affected giving in 2018, and the national nonprofit community is deeply concerned. “In the face of diminishing broad-based giving, it’s even more important to monitor how tax reform is impacting the average donor choosing to make a gift,” noted President and CEO Peter Fissinger of Campbell & Company.
Nonprofit Lessons Learned from the Longest Ever Government Shutdown (So Far)
The longest government shutdown in the nation’s history officially ended on January 25, 2019. During the 35-day partial shutdown, approximately 420,000 federal workers worked without pay, and another 380,000 were furloughed (TIME, 2019).
Government shutdowns can have heavy impacts for many nonprofit organizations that often work to fill gaps left by suspended federal services.
Many human services organizations see a spike in demand for necessities, such as food and shelter, while simultaneously struggling with a lack of government funding. Other nonprofits, such as environmental and disaster relief organizations, see a less immediate impact.
U.S. Charitable Giving Surpasses $400 Billion Mark in 2017 for the First Time
In 2017, charitable giving in the United States reached a new milestone, surpassing $400 billion for the first time and recording the highest inflation-adjusted level ever. Responding to a growing economy, Americans contributed $410.02 billion to organizations across the nonprofit sector, according to Giving USA 2018: The Annual Report on Philanthropy.
Tax Reform’s Effects on Philanthropy: What to Consider and How to Move Forward
Co-authored by Vice President Adam Wilhelm
Congress passed a major tax reform bill on Wednesday, December 20th—including many provisions that could impact nonprofit organizations. Nonpartisan analysts have projected that the bill may cause charitable giving to drop by as much as $20 billion in 2018.[1]
As the sector regroups, what high-level information do all leaders need to understand, and how can fundraisers prepare for the weeks ahead? To help organizations plan their next course of action, Campbell & Company put together a primer on the standard deduction and estate tax changes, along with key recommendations for development staff.
The State of Philanthropy in Post-Recession California
As the sixth largest economy in the world and a powerhouse of innovation, California affects the entire philanthropic market. To better understand philanthropy in California, we assembled a comprehensive overview of giving trends in the state since the Great Recession of 2007–2009. This report is designed to help professionals and organizations in California navigate the uneven philanthropic landscape that has persisted ever since the banking and housing crises of those years first hit. As a harbinger of larger trends throughout the nation, we also hope this report will inform individuals engaged in philanthropic work in communities and other regions throughout the nation.
Individuals Drove U.S. Charitable Giving to New High in 2016
According to Giving USA 2017: The Annual Report on Philanthropy, Americans set a new giving record in 2016, contributing $390.05 billion to a wide range of nonprofit organizations. This outcome is remarkable, if more modest than some anticipated, as there were fewer mega-gifts of more than $200 million and bequests dropped 9.0 percent in current dollars. While the 2016 growth rate in total giving—2.7 percent in current dollars—was below the five-year average, the results reflect broad-based philanthropic support in smaller amounts that culminated in a record year of giving.
