10 Encouraging Giving Trends for Church Finance Leaders

Each year, Giving USA provides a comprehensive overview of the state of American generosity. After purchasing the complete data package, I asked my trusted “AI Assistant” to review the data and suggest what might be good news to share with lay and clergy leaders across The United Methodist Church. For those of us leading financial stewardship in local United Methodist churches, this year’s report gives us several reasons to be hopeful—and even excited—about what’s possible. While it’s tempting to focus on what’s lacking, ten positive insights from the 2025 report (covering 2024 data) provide us with information to celebrate, share, and incorporate into our plans for funding mission and ministry.

1. GIVING IS UP—SIGNIFICANTLY

Total charitable giving in the U.S. rose to $592.5 billion in 2024, a 6.3% increase in current dollars (3.3% after adjusting for inflation). That tells us that generosity is alive and well, despite inflationary pressures or economic uncertainty.

2. INDIVIDUAL GIVING IS REBOUNDING

Giving by individuals grew by 8.2% (5.1% adjusted for inflation), marking a notable comeback after previous declines. Since most church giving comes from individuals, this is a trend to celebrate with thanks to God and our donors, and it’s a trend to build upon.

3. GIVING TO RELIGION STILL LEADS THE WAY

At $146.5 billion, religion remains the top recipient category, capturing 23% of all donations. That’s a reminder that the church is still seen as a meaningful avenue for charitable impact, even as competition for giving dollars increases.

4. CORPORATE GIVING IS SOARING

Corporate philanthropy increased by 9.1% in 2024 (6.0% adjusted), representing the highest growth among all sources. This is a good time for churches and conferences to explore local corporate partnerships, as many businesses are seeking impactful community collaborations. How could your church’s food pantry partner with the local supermarket or other corporate neighbors?

5. GIVING KEEPS PACE WITH ECONOMIC GROWTH

Giving as a percentage of GDP (gross domestic product) held steady at 2.0% in 2024, reflecting a strong alignment with national economic health. As income and wealth grow, giving is keeping pace. Our church members have the capacity.

6. DISPOSABLE INCOME SUPPORTS GENEROSITY

Disposable personal income grew by 5.3% (2.2% adjusted), while individual giving grew faster: 8.2% (5.1% adjusted). This is an important statistic. People aren’t just earning more; they’re choosing to give more.

7. RELIGIOUS GIVING REMAINS A TRUSTED OUTLET

Despite a slight decline in inflation-adjusted dollars, giving to religious organizations remains the largest source of charitable donations in the United States. That signals ongoing trust and deep connection, especially when we stay focused on mission and transparency.

8. THE MEGAGIFT TREND CAN INSPIRE LOCAL GENEROSITY

Individual megagifts in 2024 totaled $11.72 billion. While your church may not receive an eight-figure check, this trend signals a renewed spirit of bold generosity. We can cultivate that same spirit—scaled to our context—among our most invested givers. While all churches rely on members’ giving from their income, few have asked for (or are prepared to receive) gifts from donors’ assets.

9. HUMAN SERVICES GIVING IS UP—AND SO ARE WE

Giving to human services rose 5.0% (2.0% adjusted). United Methodist churches—especially those engaged in food ministries, shelters, disaster relief, and justice initiatives—are well-positioned within this trend of practical, compassionate giving.

10. WE ARE PART OF A CULTURE OF ABUNDANCE

The overarching message of this year’s Giving USA report is clear: Americans still want to give, and they want to make an impact. In too many places, creativity and excitement for ministry have been buried by a scarcity mindset. We need eyes to see the opportunities for mission and ministry in our communities and beyond and then tell our stories of lives touched! Our work isn’t to overcome a lack of generosity, but to faithfully connect generosity to mission. That’s sacred work, and it’s ours to lead.

I imagine some readers will look at these findings and say, “Well, that’s not happening here.” I understand that, but I hope you will be encouraged by the report and start to ask, “Why can’t it happen here?” The kind of growth in generosity that Giving USA has reported can transform churches and communities that are bold enough to dream and to ask, “What need is there in our community that, if Jesus visited us today, would be the need where he would want us to respond.” That may be all it takes!

This resource was created by Discipleship Ministries staff with the support of AI tools.