The Giving USA report provides the nation’s most comprehensive look at charitable giving—but the numbers are only the beginning of the conversation.
In this special presentation, Dr. Lilya Wagner opens with an overview of the Giving USA 2026 findings, highlighting the trends shaping today’s philanthropic landscape, including record charitable giving, the rise of planned giving, changing donor behavior, and the continued importance of individual generosity.
Following the briefing, veteran fundraising leader John O’Kane moderates a discussion with advancement professionals representing higher education, healthcare, human services, and independent schools. Together, they explore how these national trends are influencing fundraising strategy across diverse nonprofit sectors and share practical insights drawn from their own experience.
Whether you’re a CEO, board member, development professional, or advancement leader, this conversation will help you move beyond the statistics to consider what today’s giving environment means for your organization’s future.
What the Giving USA 2026 data reveals about charitable giving in America
Why organizations are seeing larger gifts from fewer donors
How planned giving and the coming transfer of wealth are reshaping fundraising
Practical approaches to strengthening donor relationships and long-term stewardship
How nonprofit leaders are responding to changes in tax policy, corporate philanthropy, donor-advised funds, and emerging technologies
Why mission, trust, and authentic relationships remain the foundation of effective fundraising
Giving USA provides the data. Experienced practitioners provide the perspective. Together, they offer nonprofit leaders both the context and the practical guidance needed to navigate today’s evolving philanthropic landscape.
Veteran Healthcare Advancement Executive
Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, The University of Georgia
Head of School, Ravenscroft
Chief Philanthropy Officer, YMCA of Metro Atlanta
Senior Advisor, Lighthouse Counsel
Report Overview
Of Counsel, Lighthouse Counsel
Panel Moderator
Every year, the Giving USA report provides one of the clearest pictures of charitable giving in America. As nonprofit leaders, we must understand what those statistics mean for the decisions you make every day. This year’s data tells a compelling story: generosity remains strong, but the way people give continues
When the Giving USA 2026 report was released, one number naturally captured everyone’s attention: $617.2 billion. It is an extraordinary milestone. Americans gave more to charitable causes in 2025 than in any previous year, surpassing the $600 billion mark for the first time. At a time when many households continued
