A $3.1 billion bequest from the Microsoft co-founder's estate — paid out seven years after his death — helped push charitable bequests to $62 billion.

In a year marked by economic uncertainty and political turbulence, philanthropic donations rose last year, according to an authoritative annual report on American giving.

Philanthropic donations in the U.S. rose to $617 billion in 2025, marking a 3% increase from the previous year

The stock market rally turbocharged charitable giving in 2025, but primarily from wealthy donors.

A $3.1 billion bequest from the Microsoft co-founder's estate — paid out seven years after his death — helped push charitable bequests to $62 billion.

An annual report finds donations to nonprofits rose by 3% in inflation-adjusted dollars to $617.2 billion in 2025