In this op-ed, Rev. Dr. David S. Bell argues that new giving data should push churches to share the impact of their mission and invite people into deeper generosity.
REV. DR. DAVID S. BELL
President and Executive Director, United Methodist Foundation of Michigan
Every year, the Giving USA report provides one of the most comprehensive examinations of charitable giving in America. While the numbers offer valuable insight into the health of philanthropy, they also invite churches to reflect more deeply: How are we helping people understand generosity as an expression of faith, discipleship, and mission?
The latest Giving USA 2026: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2025 reveals a significant milestone. Charitable giving in the United States surpassed $600 billion for the first time, reaching an estimated $617.2 billion in 2025. Total giving increased by 5.7% in current dollars and 3.0% when adjusted for inflation.
For churches, however, the most important insights are not found only in the total amount given. They lie in changing patterns of generosity and what those trends reveal about how people choose to support organizations making a difference.
A Strong Culture of Generosity in a Changing Landscape
The 2026 report demonstrates that generosity remains deeply rooted in American culture. Individuals, foundations, corporations, and charitable bequests all increased in 2025. Individual giving remained the largest source of charitable support, totaling about $394.2 billion. Foundations contributed $117.15 billion. Corporations gave $43.67 billion. Bequests reached $62.19 billion. These numbers remind us of an important truth. Namely, people continue to be generous when they believe their resources can make a meaningful difference. The challenge for churches is not simply whether generosity exists. The challenge is whether churches are effectively communicating the impact of that generosity.
Religion Remains a Leading Recipient of Giving, but Churches Must Pay Attention
Religious organizations continue to receive more charitable dollars than any other category. Giving to religion reached approximately $151.58 billion in 2025. However, growth remained relatively flat when adjusted for inflation, increasing only 2.4% in current dollars and declining slightly (-0.2%) after inflation adjustments. For church leaders, this statistic should prompt honest reflection. The question is not: “Why aren’t people giving like they used to?” The better question is: “How are we inviting people into a deeper understanding of generosity and mission?”
For generations, churches have relied on the faithful generosity of members who understood giving as part of their spiritual journey. This foundation remains essential, but today’s donors increasingly want to understand the impact of their giving. They want to know how their generosity changes lives, strengthens communities, and advances God’s work in the world.
From Transactions to Transformation
John Wesley understood that stewardship was never merely about financially supporting an institution. It was about transformation. Wesley’s teaching on generosity challenged Christians to view their resources as gifts entrusted by God. His famous encouragement to “earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can” was not simply financial advice. It was a call to faithful living.
For churches today, this call means moving beyond a transactional understanding of giving. A stewardship conversation is not: “The church has a budget. Will you help us meet it?” Rather, a stewardship conversation is: “God is at work in our community. How are we being invited to participate in that work?” Generosity grows when people see a clear connection between their resources and God’s mission.
The Growing Importance of Legacy Giving
One of the most significant trends in the 2026 report was the continued growth of bequest giving. Giving through estates increased nearly 20% in current dollars and 16.6% after inflation adjustments, representing the strongest growth among the four sources of charitable giving. This trend has important implications for churches. The coming years present an extraordinary opportunity for congregations to engage constituents in conversations about legacy. Many faithful donors desire for their values to continue beyond their lifetime. They want to support ministries that have shaped their faith, strengthened their families, and served their communities. Planned giving allows individuals to make a lasting impact through:
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- bequests in wills and trusts,
- charitable gift annuities,
- beneficiary designations,
- endowment gifts, and
- other legacy planning strategies.
For churches, planned giving is not simply a fundraising strategy. It is an opportunity for spiritual reflection. It allows stakeholders to ask: “What legacy of faith do I want to leave for future generations?”
What Should Church Leaders Do Now?
The Giving USA 2026 report offers several important lessons for churches:
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- Tell your mission story clearly: People give to organizations where they see purpose and impact. Churches must continually communicate stories of impact about those they serve, the difference they make, the transformation of human lives, and the strengthened relationships across the community.
- Generosity is built on trust: Strong stewardship is not an annual campaign. It is an ongoing relationship between the church and the people who believe in its mission.
- Expand conversations about legacy: Many churches have contributors passionate about leaving a lasting impact but have never been invited into a planned-giving conversation.
- View stewardship as discipleship: Generosity is not simply a financial issue. It is a spiritual practice. When churches talk about generosity, they are inviting people into a deeper relationship with God and a greater commitment to God’s work in the world.
A Faithful Future Requires Faithful Stewardship
The Giving USA 2026 report offers both encouragement and challenge. Americans continue to give generously. The resources needed to support meaningful ministry exist. However, churches must continue adapting how they engage people in generosity. The future of church sustainability will not be built solely on stronger fundraising techniques. It will be built on stronger relationships. It will be built on greater transparency. It will be built on a renewed understanding that generosity is not about what the church needs from people. It is about what God is doing through people.
At the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan, we believe faithful stewardship creates opportunities for churches, ministries, and individuals to strengthen God’s work for generations to come. Generosity is not simply about giving away resources. It is about investing in God’s future.
The publication of this article was made possible thanks to generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.
Last Updated on October 19, 2026