I came to America as a child fleeing communism in Estonia. My family had little, but we found ourselves welcomed by neighbors, churches and organizations who gave freely. 

That generosity shaped my life and became my vocation.

For those of us working in education and mission-driven organizations, this is more than a personal memory. It’s a reminder that philanthropy and volunteerism have always been among America’s most unifying forces. In an era of polarization and tightening public budgets, they may be our most reliable path forward.

Tocqueville and the American habit of giving

Almost two centuries ago, Alexis de Tocqueville observed that Americans formed associations “of a thousand kinds” to solve problems, care for neighbors and improve their communities. 

These voluntary associations taught citizens to cooperate and to act for the common good — lessons essential for a democracy to function.

That impulse is still alive today. When disasters strike, when communities face crises, Americans rally together — regardless of politics — to give, serve and rebuild.

Generosity is not just charity. It is civic leadership. And in this season of division, it remains one of America’s most reliable bridges. 

Recent Giving USA numbers underscore both promise and challenge. For example, the Giving USA Annual Report for 2025 shows:

• $592.5 billion in total giving in 2024, up by 6.3% from the previous year in current dollars — a sign of resilience even in a volatile economy.
  
• Growth in giving to education, health, arts and culture, and the environment.
  
• Estate giving and some traditional sources are softening, and inflation continues to erode the real value of gifts.
  

At the same time, federal and state funding is under pressure. Grants and contracts are being reduced or delayed, and many programs face future cuts. Nonprofits that rely heavily on public funding will feel the strain first.

Five steps for boards and staff to lead well

If government support shrinks, private giving and volunteerism will be the difference between mission success and program cuts. That means boards and executives must not simply raise more money. They must champion generosity as a shared civic value.

1. Model unity. Board members and staff are cultural carriers. Show that philanthropy belongs to everyone — across political, economic and generational lines.
   
2. Strengthen case and message. When public dollars fall, a clear, compelling case for private investment is essential. Leaders must be ready to tell donors why now.
   
3. Make generosity visible. Celebrate gifts of every size, recognize volunteers and create shared experiences that connect people to the mission.
   
4. Invest in readiness. Campaign planning, donor engagement strategies and pipeline development are no longer optional — they are risk management.
   
5. Teach the next generation. Schools and colleges in particular can model philanthropy as a habit and life skill, preparing students to be tomorrow’s givers and volunteers.

Generosity crosses every divide. People who disagree about policy often give to the same local food bank, the same scholarship fund, the same capital campaign for a hospital or YMCA. That is a strength worth protecting.

My own life is evidence of what happens when generosity is inclusive: It transforms futures. It gave me one.

A call to action

For those who lead boards, advancement offices and mission-driven organizations, this moment is not one to fear but to seize. Build the culture, the relationships and the infrastructure that allow generosity to flourish.

If public funding shrinks, let it be said that your institution stood firm because your community stood with you — united not by ideology but by belief in the mission and its promise for the future.

Because generosity is not just charity. It is civic leadership. And in this season of division, it remains one of America’s most reliable bridges.