Everyday Actions, Extraordinary Potential: The Power of Giving and Volunteering

This 2024 report from the Generosity Commission examines the demonstrated decline in donors (but not dollars) in recent years:

With rare exception, year over year more money has been given to nonprofits but by fewer givers. And year over year, more hours have been donated to nonprofits but by fewer volunteers. In short, the numbers of dollars and hours have gone up, but the number of donors has gone down.

There are several hypotheses to explain the steep fall in these forms of civic participation. Middle-class precarity is prominent among them. But whereas economics have played a large, even decisive role, social scientists note that profound social factors have also been at play, suggesting a more complicated picture. Trends in everyday giving and volunteering have occurred alongside two others: a rise in social isolation and a decline in social trust.

Read the report.

On October 8, 2025, Join Us for a National Town Hall on the Financial State of the Nonprofit Sector

Nonprofit GPS is a new, action-based community designed to help nonprofits navigate today’s disrupted revenue landscape. Built in consultation with organizations nationwide, it focuses on the real financial challenges nonprofits face — business model risks, capital management, budgeting, governance, and more. Together, we’ll share practical strategies and highlight bright spots of practice that strengthen missions, even in the most disruptive times.

At this event you will hear: an analysis of the current economic landscape for nonprofits and the implications for practice; what array of critical new resources will be offered by Nonprofit GPS over the next three months and beyond; and how to become involved as a practice leader in this community.

Join a space designed to foster support, inclusivity, and respect for every voice.

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