As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary of its independence, we as a nation are called to reflect on our history and contemplate our future. There are celebrations of this monumental anniversary from sea to shining sea. Americans are celebrating not only our freedom, but our culture and unique place in the world. We are the world\u2019s oldest contiguous constitutional democracy. The only country to put a man on the moon. We lead the world in art and entertainment. Our science and industry propel innovation across the globe. But there is another uniquely American tradition that doesn\u2019t always receive the attention it deserves: American Charity and Philanthropy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Philanthropy in this country may not seem distinct at first glance, but that is only because giving is so deeply ingrained, that we are too close to recognise it. Americans give more and give differently than the rest of the world. American giving has both shaped our society and is a direct reflection of our culture. American generosity is the spark and the tinder lighting the remarkable accomplishments of this nation. So our philanthropy, our charity, and our generosity deserves its own moment of recognition. And perhaps through its reflection we can light the path forward for new innovations in charitable works. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even surface level examination of American giving starts to illustrate its uniqueness. In 2025 Americans gave over $615 billion dollars to charity, far and away the most of any country in absolute terms. On a per capita basis America regularly ranks at our near the top. Our charitable sector is approximately 2% of GDP, which is more than double than that of Canada (.77%). Americans give about seven times more than that of France or Germany. Charitable giving is just a way of life for many Americans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ubiquity of giving and voluntary charitable work in America is part of our 250 year history. In the 19th century, Alexis de Tocqueville found it remarkable how Americans instinctively would form and join voluntary and civic organizations. The American \u2018can-do\u2019 spirit was effortlessly funneled into these grassroots associations and is the taproot of our charitable sector. America is frequently characterized as \u2018individualistic,\u2019 but perhaps our independent nature is exactly what leads to our collective grass root collaboration. Americans don\u2019t wait for saviors to hand down solutions, we bind together and get to work. Our predisposition towards working together for the greater good still exists today. Americans volunteer nearly 10 billion hours of their time each year. And in light of natural disasters, we eagerly open our hearts and our wallets to help communities get back on their feet. In fact, many volunteer organizations are integral parts of our official emergency response systems. So no matter our factionalism, we can\u2019t help ourselves and do the work of helping, putting aside petty differences in service to community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connection with community isn\u2019t the only organizing model for American charity. Religion and faith also are deeply a part of American giving. Most people give via religious organizations. Either directly to their church, or via a religiously affiliated organization. Religious organizations run huge parts of our social services in the United States, such as food banks, and refugee services. Again, connection drives generosity. Either divinely inspired or more terrestrial, connection to something larger than ourselves drives Americans to put their treasure and their time to good works. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Americans are known for our industriousness and inclination towards thinking BIG. Or course those characteristics would spill over to our philanthropy. Our bigger is better approach to philanthropy has created many modern institutions, not just here, but around the world. The very notion of the private foundation was invented in the United States by John D. Rockefeller. A complicated man, he set about to deploy his immense wealth towards social benefit, but couldn\u2019t leave behind his propensity for innovation and organizational excellence. Rather than follow the conventional path of wealthy charity, that mostly supported small charitable works in reactionary ways, he went about to take a more strategic, dare say business-like approach to his philanthropy. The Rockefeller Foundation was a first of its kind, with a permanent endowment, and a professional staff. They went about trying to tackle big issues that faced the United States, like hookworm and yellow fever – devastating diseases at the time, now eradicated. The model was so successful that other titans of industry of the age took note and followed suit. Carnegie, Ford, Rosenwald, Gates all built philanthropic institutions that forged society nearly as much as their for-profit endeavors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of these institutions, our charity has deeply influenced our cultural and technological output. Americans give to a wide range of causes. Our philanthropy fuels drug development before it is viable for commercial pharmaceutical companies to invest. Our giving made the public library system come into existence, and propelled forward a nascent EMS system. Jackson Pollock could push the boundaries of art directly as a result of philanthropic support. America just would not be America as we know it without the influence of our charity and philanthropy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Americans love giving so much, that we even invented a special day to give, Giving Tuesday. Started by the 92nd Street Y in New York, Giving Tuesday isn\u2019t just a marketing gimmick. It\u2019s a welcome conclusion to the Thanksgiving week. After the cooking, eating, indulgence, and shopping, we pivot from our immediate family and circle of friends and look to our communities. We end our harvest festival of abundance with a recognition that there is enough to share. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While we are in the midst of the summer, Giving Tuesday and the holiday season will be here sooner than expected, with less than 150 days until Giving Tuesday. For fundraisers and nonprofits executives, it\u2019s time to start planning for the end of year campaigns. Perhaps this reflection of the history of America\u2019s giving can provide a spark of inspiration going forward. How can we draw upon the grand tradition of American giving to inform our campaigns? Not through direct replication of old models, but rather by understanding the deep rooted sense of America and her people that is revealed by our giving tradition. How can we help people bind together as a community, like what Tocqueville witnessed all those years ago? Is there a way to help people connect with something larger than themselves, spiritual or otherwise? Can we take inspiration from Rockefeller\u2019s commitment to innovation and thinking bigger? And let us dare to claim the stature and influence that the charitable sector has had on our society. At Charitybuzz, we are having our own Americana celebration this July, with lots and sweeps that celebrate our country, its people and its generosity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So no matter how difficult it can feel to lead a charitable organization, there is a great American tradition that can be tapped into. Tocqueville was right; America is great, because America is good. Her people are generous, and their spirit abundant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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