High-Net-Worth Donors Commit to Charitable Giving Despite Economic Uncertainty
Event summary
- 93% of high-net-worth donors plan to maintain or increase charitable giving in 2026, per Foundation Source's 2026 Donor Survey.
- 49% of donors plan to give more, driven by strong portfolio performance and increased local community needs.
- Top factors shaping donor outlooks include economic conditions (54%), political environment (41%), and stock market performance (40%).
- Education (46%) and human services (41%) are the leading cause areas for planned support.
The big picture
Foundation Source's survey highlights the resilience of high-net-worth donors in maintaining charitable commitments despite economic and political headwinds. This trend reflects a strategic, long-term approach to philanthropy, with donors seeking deeper relationships with grantees and clearer insights into impact. The data underscores the growing demand for holistic advice that integrates charitable giving with financial planning, positioning advisors to play a more central role in wealth management strategies.
What we're watching
- Impact Measurement
- How donors' increasing focus on measuring impact will affect nonprofit funding strategies.
- Strategic Philanthropy
- Whether high-net-worth donors can sustain long-term giving commitments amid economic volatility.
- Intergenerational Transfer
- The pace at which next-generation involvement in philanthropy shapes donor priorities and strategies.
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