The Assignment with Audie Cornish Putting the 'Giving' Back in Thanksgiving
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Nov 27, 2025 Sarah Herschander, a philanthropy reporter for Vox’s Future Perfect, shares insights on charitable giving amidst economic uncertainty. She discusses the impact of funding cuts on nonprofits and the rise of personal fundraisers like GoFundMe, highlighting their benefits and limitations. Sarah offers tips on choosing who to support, encouraging subscription gifts and aligning donations with personal values. She also emphasizes that non-monetary ways, like volunteering, can be equally meaningful for those who may not have cash to give.
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Crowdfunding Has Become Everyday Relief
- Many Americans are turning to crowdfunding for essentials, not just emergencies.
- That shift changes who gets help and can desensitize donors to need.
Social Media Normalizes Public Asking
- Social media has normalized public fundraising and reduced stigma around asking for help.
- That normalization both helps people get support and complicates donor attention and fairness.
Policy Shifts Worsen Nonprofit Strain
- Cuts to government grants and program instability are creating funding gaps for nonprofits.
- Those gaps plus inflation make charitable giving more urgently needed this year.