1 in 4 Americans plan to cut back on charitable giving in 2026, even as economy shows signs of improvement, Church Mutual® survey finds

61% cite rising costs of everyday goods and services as top concern

MERRILL, Wis. – A new national survey — 2026 Charitable Giving in America¹ — from Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. (a stock insurer)² reveals that even as economic conditions show signs of improvement heading into 2026, many Americans remain financially cautious. One in four adults (25%) say they still plan to reduce their charitable giving due to ongoing concerns about their household finances and the broader economy.

While recent indicators suggest easing inflation and stabilizing conditions in several areas, the survey data of 1,010 U.S. adults shows that many households have not yet fully felt the relief — and lingering uncertainty continues to influence giving decisions in the year ahead.

Lingering financial pressures continue to shape giving

Respondents reported a mix of ongoing financial pressures that are influencing charitable giving plans:

• 61% remain concerned about the rising cost of everyday goods and services.
• 33% are focused on managing routine debt payments.
• 22% are concerned about job stability for themselves or their partner.
• 46% still worry about the possibility of worsening economic conditions or a future recession.

Together, the findings suggest that despite improving economic signals, many households continue to take a cautious approach to discretionary spending — including charitable donations.

Where Americans continue to give

Even amid financial caution, charitable giving remains widespread, especially in support of faith-based and community organizations:

• 74% donate to houses of worship
• 34% give to other nonprofit organizations.
• 33% donate to schools and education-related causes.
• 11% give to camps or outdoor recreation organizations.

Growing worries about nonprofit stability

More than half of Americans (54%) say they are concerned about the financial health of the charitable organizations they support — underscoring a challenge nonprofits face as they balance increasing demand for their services with uncertain funding through private philanthropy and government programs.

“Over the past year, many nonprofits have navigated funding uncertainty, which has increased the need for private philanthropy through individual donations,” said Elisabeth Aleman, assistant vice president - Nonprofit and Human Services.  “However, what we’re starting to see is that although economic indicators are gradually improving, donors are still cautious and protective of their finances. At the same time, nonprofits continue to see elevated demand without much change in resources, which means they’re doing more with less.”

About the survey 

2026 Charitable giving in America is the latest in Church Mutual’s Risk Radar initiative that provides proprietary, primary research to gather key, forward-looking insights for nonprofits, schools, camps and houses of worship, helping them maximize opportunities and minimize risk. 2026 Charitable Giving in America surveyed 1,010 U.S. adults (ages 18+).

About Church Mutual 

Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I., founded in 1897, offers specialized insurance for religious organizations of all denominations, public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities, secular and non-secular camps and conference centers, and nonprofit and human services organizations throughout the United States. To learn more, visit churchmutual.com.

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¹Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. conducted an online survey through Padilla, The Church Mutual Risk Radar Report — 2026 Charitable Giving in America, in December 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 1,010 adults aged 18+. 

²Church Mutual is a stock insurer whose policyholders are members of the parent mutual holding company formed on 1/1/20.  S.I. = a stock insurer.