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You are currently viewing Charity Insights, which explores the landscape from the perspective of social purpose organisations in this country.
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You are currently viewing Charity Insights, which explores the landscape from the perspective of social purpose organisations in this country.
Use the toggle below to switch to Donor Insights and view how and why individuals give.
The story of today’s charitable sector in the U.S. is characterized by both resilience and vulnerability. Nonprofits across the country are experiencing greater demand for services while simultaneously facing financial pressures that threaten their long-term sustainability. Organizations in the United States report more resilience than the global average; however, more than half (55%) remain concerned about their financial future, and nearly half (45%) indicate that they would need to cease operations within six months if donations stopped. In spite of these challenges, nonprofits remain hopeful. They credit the generosity and commitment of their communities, whose ongoing support lets them continue forwarding their missions. The findings remind us that resilience is not simply the ability to withstand disruption, but the ability to adapt, innovate, and remain focused on mission in the face of changing circumstances.
Nearly eight-in-ten organizations surveyed (79%) report increased demand over the past year, and among those, 67% say it has been difficult to keep up with the pace. However, strong teams and clear missions help charities continue to delivering meaningful outcomes. Most organizations (84%) have taken action to strengthen the support they are able to provide their communities, by utilizing need-based prioritization for services and expanding their staff capacity. Collaboration also plays a key role here, with 91% of organizations saying their networks are important to helping achieve their goals and make a collective impact.
The findings also highlight a sector balancing urgent needs with long-term ambitions. Leaders report spending roughly two-thirds of their time addressing day-to-day operational challenges, often at the expense of long-term planning, relationship building, and future growth. Many organizations seek deeper engagement with donors, funders, and other stakeholders, recognizing that stronger partnerships and more flexible, sustainable funding models are critical to ongoing success.
While rising demand and financial uncertainty are putting pressure on organizations, many remain optimistic: 60% believe the U.S. charitable sector is healthy, pointing to a culture of generosity, community impact, and the ability to adapt to a changing world. At the same time, fewer organizations (47%) feel well positioned for the next three years, which highlights a need for more sustainable funding and commitment to support this important work. Across cultures and geographies, one lesson continues to emerge: strong communities and strong networks remain among the most important drivers of resilience.
Overall, would you say the charity sector in your country is…
Which challenges are most pressing for your organisation? (select the top 3):
How did organisations find coping with this increased demand over the last 12 months?
Which, if any, of these actions have you had to take in order to cope with increasing demand?
The proportion of charities that receive each type of funding:
If you received no more donations or funding from today, how long could you continue operating using only your reserves, any investments or earned income?
How much of your funding is given as ‘restricted’ funds?
Geographically, where does your funding come from?
Aside from giving more money, how could funders empower organisations like yours to do more good?
Which of the following statements, if any, do you feel apply to funders?
Roughly speaking, how much time do you spend on each of the following?
Which of the following would you like to do a better job of engaging ?(select up to two)
How well does civil society in your country collaborate together for the greater good?
What are the barriers to developing your civil society network further?
How effectively do you do the following?
Does your organisation use a formal framework or strategy for capturing and measuring impact?
How trustworthy do you think the people of your country find the following types of organisations?
Overall, do you think the Government is a positive or negative influence on the charitable sector?
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) exists to accelerate progress in society towards a fair and sustainable future for all. Over the last 100 years, we have led the way in developing innovative approaches to giving. Annually, we distribute over £1 billion to social purpose organisations around the globe.
As a leading charity operating from the UK, US and Canada, alongside an international network of partners, CAF works at the centre of the giving world. We collaborate with corporate and individual donors to enable them to give more effectively, strategically and impactfully. This includes connecting them to charities globally and providing access to our in-depth sector knowledge, governance expertise and innovative giving solutions.
We help social purpose organisations to strengthen their resilience and do more of their life changing work, through strategic advisory services from our Impact Accelerator, tools to support charities’ fundraising activities, and charity financial services from CAF Bank Limited and CAF Financial Solutions Limited. Using our research, policy and campaigns work, we understand and influence the wider environment for charities and donors.
Together, we give more.
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) exists to accelerate progress in society towards a fair and sustainable future for all. Over the last 100 years, we have led the way in developing innovative approaches to giving. Annually, we distribute over £1 billion to social purpose organisations around the globe.
As a leading charity operating from the UK, US and Canada, alongside an international network of partners, CAF works at the centre of the giving world. We collaborate with corporate and individual donors to enable them to give more effectively, strategically and impactfully. This includes connecting them to charities globally and providing access to our in-depth sector knowledge, governance expertise and innovative giving solutions.
We help social purpose organisations to strengthen their resilience and do more of their life changing work, through strategic advisory services from our Impact Accelerator, tools to support charities’ fundraising activities, and charity financial services from CAF Bank Limited and CAF Financial Solutions Limited. Using our research, policy and campaigns work, we understand and influence the wider environment for charities and donors.
Together, we give more.
