The philanthropic sector is demonstrating a quiet resilience that defies broader economic jitters.

According to Foundation Source’s 2025 Report on Private Philanthropy, grantmaking by private foundations saw a notable 4.2% year-over-year increase in 2024, and the momentum is carrying into 2026.

The trust and foundations market itself is on a robust growth trajectory, projected to climb from $182.19 billion in 2025 to $191.5 billion in 2026—a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%.

However, this growth isn’t uniform. While total dollars raised are up (increasing an estimated 3.7% year-over-year in late 2025), the landscape is shifting.

Data shows that while the number of people giving remains relatively stable, the average donation size is shrinking slightly in some regions. This puts pressure on foundations to make every dollar count. In response to these trends, many foundations are tapping into endowments and increasing payout rates to meet rising community needs, ensuring that a slower economy doesn’t translate into a humanitarian retreat. For donors, this means your support is more critical than ever in maintaining the momentum of these essential institutions.