Ep 215| Giving USA 2026 - The Fundraiser's Breakdown
The Nonprofit Podcast
Bequests and the Great Wealth Transfer
Britt and Jena highlight 19.7% growth in bequests and evidence that legacy giving has begun.
Giving hit a record high in 2025. What's underneath that number will shape your fundraising strategy for the next decade.
Americans gave $617 billion to charity in 2025, a record, and real growth even after inflation. Five of nine nonprofit categories hit all-time highs. The sector showed up!!
But the Giving USA 2026 report tells a more layered story. Jena Lynch and Britt Stockert dig into what's really shifting, and what it means for how nonprofits build donor relationships, plan for foundation funding, and think about legacy giving.
What You'll Learn
- Why $617 billion is a record, even adjusted for inflation
- How mega gifts are shaping the individual giving numbers
- What a 16% drop in foundation inflows signals for 2026 and 2027
- Why bequest giving jumped 19.7%, and what it means for the Great Wealth Transfer
- Why your most loyal donors are your best legacy giving prospects
- What younger donors expect from the giving experience
Chapters
00:00: Introduction
01:44: Giving USA 2026 - The Headline Number
02:15: Real Growth, Not Just Inflation
04:41: The Mega Gifts Effect
07:51: The Foundation Grant Cliff
09:48: Individual Giving Hits a 40-Year Low
12:49: The Great Wealth Transfer Arrives
15:46: What Younger Donors Expect
18:03: Key Takeaways for Nonprofits
Resources and Links
- Giving USA 2026 Report
- Ep 117 |The Great Wealth Transfer: The Big Nonprofit Advantage
- Ep 209| The Real Reason Donors Stop Giving - With Rob Harter
- Darrin Cook| Staying Close to Your Donors: A Practical Guide to Retention
- Donorbox OmniGive™Donation Forms
About the Hosts
Jena Lynch - Head of Community Engagement, Donorbox
Jena specialises in donor stewardship, retention, and peer-to-peer fundraising. She works closely with nonprofit teams to strengthen donor relationships and build practical systems that support long-term growth. As anchor of The Nonprofit Podcast, she keeps strategy clear, steady, and actionable.
Britt Stockert - Fundraiser Coach, Donorbox
With more than 20 years in the public sector, Britt helps nonprofits build fundraising strategies that match real capacity. She guides teams in strengthening donor relationships, refining systems, and simplifying operations. She also serves on the board of an immigrant- and refugee-led nonprofit and stays closely connected to on-the-ground realities.
Connect with Britt on LinkedIn
About Donorbox
Donorbox is a trusted online and on-location fundraising platform that helps nonprofits raise more. With easy-to-use donation forms, powerful donor management tools, and features designed to grow recurring giving, we have helped 100,000-plus organizations process more than $4 billion in donations worldwide. donorbox.org
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The information provided in this series is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult with a professional advisor for specific guidance.
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