As November ushers in a season of gratitude, it also marks the year’s biggest stretch for charitable giving. Americans gave a record $617.2 billion to charity in 2025, up 5.7% from the year before — the first time giving has topped $600 billion, with every major giving source on the rise.
Roughly a third of all annual giving happens in December alone, as year-end tax planning and holiday generosity converge. That surge often kicks off right after Thanksgiving: GivingTuesday 2025 drew more than 38 million donors who gave a record $4 billion in a single day.
One of 2025’s biggest stories was bequests, which jumped nearly 20% — the largest increase of any giving source, fueled by strong markets lifting estate values. Individuals still gave the most overall, contributing 64% of the year’s total.
This November, consider how your own giving, whether a check, appreciated stock, or a gift in your estate plan, can be part of that story.