Generosity is as American
as Apple Pie
America’s 250th anniversary is too big to celebrate on just one day. In my book, it deserves a 12-month-long celebration! No, we have not reached perfection after 250 years, but we’re still here—and that’s a big deal.
Another big deal? My favorite survey has just been released – Giving USA 2026, researched and written by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The report tells us how much Americans gave in 2025—and where that generosity went. Cesie Scheuermann recently highlighted the report in her newsletter, and I want to share some of its good news with you.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. If you only ready one thing—let it be this…
Legacy giving continues to increase year over year. In 2025, it represented 10% of the giving pie. Here’s the eye-opening stat—this number increased by nearly 20% from 2024.
Yet up to 76% of adults DO NOT have a will. Folks, that is not good—and it represents an enormous opportunity for churches to help their people think intentionally about the legacy they want to leave.
And those who DO have a will? Between 6—7% leave something to a nonprofit, including churches.
And the timing couldn’t be better: August is Make-a-Will Month. Please, please, please, encourage your people to have a will—and while they’re making those plans, remind them that their church can be part of the legacy they leave behind.
2. Giving to religion remained steady at 23%
$151.58 billion went to religion.
That represents a slight increase of 2.4% over the previous year. Even adjusted for inflation, giving remained flat (which, no kidding, is better than going lower). We may be down from back in the old days of the 1980s when religious giving was at 60%—but we’ll take stability for right now.
3. Americans continue to be generous.
A total of $617.20 billion was given in 2025. 64% of that came from individuals, an increase of 4.1% over 2024.
Can you tell a good story? Can you make a compelling case for people to give—beyond obligation? If you can…you are way ahead of the game.
What better way to celebrate America than by recognizing its generous people, foundations, and corporations? And while you’re at it, be sure to recognize your people of faith for their giving hearts too.
At UMF, we’re here to help individuals, institutions, and churches with all things stewardship. Maybe it’s time to plan a Wills and Estate Workshop for this fall or early 2027. Perhaps your church is ready for a tried-and-true stewardship campaign. Or maybe it’s time to establish an Endowment Committee so legacy giving becomes an intentional part of your congregation’s long-term ministry.
Whatever the next step, we’d love to help. For more information, visit our website or contact me at [email protected].
This article was submitted by Rev. Lynn Benson, Director of Legacy Giving for the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. If you would like more information regarding UMF, you can contact Lynn at [email protected].