Repeated reminders of our need to take care of one another have often come with pleas from vital non-profits for support over the past few years. Charitable giving is a priority for many who are able to make it part of their budget — and the number of people who share that priority appears to be growing.

According to the most recent “Giving USA” report, charities received approximately $592.5 billion in donations in 2024 — a 3.3% increase over 2023. The donations data used for this report came before the layoff of tens of thousands of workers for non-profits for 2025 due to changes in federal funding. Researchers are not yet sure how that will affect next year’s report.

But for 2024 the category that saw the biggest increase in donations was giving to public society benefit, followed by international affairs and education. Meanwhile, the only major category to see a decline was religion.

“The fundamentals of giving are still working like they historically have in the U.S.,” said Jon Bergdoll, managing director of Giving USA. “We’ve been through a lot of changes, and there’s potentially more on the horizon, but it is important to take comfort in that we are still seeing the same things move and shift giving that 20 years ago moved and shifted giving.”

One of those forces, federal funding, is certainly on the minds of organizations such as the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, which is shifting its message to potential donors.

“The cavalry is not coming from the federal government,” CEO Matt Habash said. “Even our state government has cut back on the amount of money they’re giving us. The messaging for us is really about local. We’ve got to convince people locally to do something.”

Those to whom the Associated Press spoke regarding this report seemed to be in agreement that this year and beyond will be times of uncertainty — perhaps with reduced ability for some to give and more need for the services of non-profits.

“Usually, you get more organizations that say my financial picture will be better in a year. Some say worse, but more say better,” said Jim Klocke, CEO of the Massachusetts Non-profit Network. “This time, almost everybody said they expect their financial condition to be worse a year from now. It’s a pretty much across-the-board concern.”

But before you start to think there’s not much one person can do with all the help that is needed, Giving USA said in 2024 individuals accounted for 66% of the giving in 2024. (Foundations made up 19%, bequests were 8% and corporations made up just 7%). Do not underestimate the power of one person who gives what they can. As nonprofits across the country wade into uncertain territory, there is no amount of help too small. you can make a difference.