American Generosity: Resilient but Changing

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A recent AP-NORC poll found that about 75% of Americans donated to charity last year, though most gave $500 or less—far below what many nonprofits would consider a major gift. Still, in the face of inflation, reduced federal support, and heightened political distractions, the findings point to a resilient culture of giving.

Donations most often supported religious institutions and nonprofits providing essentials like food and shelter. Nearly 40% gave to faith communities, and a similar number supported basic needs organizations. Disaster relief efforts attracted donations from 30% of respondents, while 25% supported animal welfare groups. For many, trust and local impact were central to their decision to give.

Generational divides, however, raise questions about the future. Adults under 45 were more likely to report giving nothing, regardless of income level. They were also less inclined to view helping others as a personal responsibility—a shift that could affect charitable giving as wealth moves to younger hands.

Yet, individual stories reveal how personal experience continues to inspire generosity. Daniel Valdes donates to his local Catholic church because he believes in its transparency. Bethany Berry, who lost pets in the 2018 Camp Fire, gives to rescue groups and online mutual aid communities. And Regina Evans, 68, who endured storm damage to her home, still gave over $5,000 last year. “You live in this world, you should give if you expect to receive,” she said. “It never comes back in the way that you expect, and it doesn’t come back dollar for dollar. But I can say with complete surety that every dollar that I’ve ever donated came back to me in a way that I could not count.”

Non-financial giving also remains strong: 70% of Americans donated food, clothing, or household goods. However, younger adults were less likely to participate. Volunteering, too, is less common—only 3 in 10 reported giving their time.

While the size of donations may be modest, the instinct to give still endures. Grounded in lived experience and community ties, this generosity offers a meaningful foundation nonprofits can build on. The challenge is clear: engage younger donors, and diversify how giving is defined.

Bill Gates to Donate 99% of Wealth

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Bill Gates has committed to giving away 99 percent of his wealth—estimated at over $100 billion—to charitable causes. Alongside this pledge, he announced that the Gates Foundation will conclude its operations by 2045.

Founded in 2000 by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, with early support from Warren Buffett, the foundation has become one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the world. Over the past 25 years, it has directed more than $100 million toward efforts to reduce poverty, improve global health, and expand access to education and technology.

Looking ahead, the foundation plans to double its annual spending to $200 million over the next two decades. This acceleration is intended to drive progress in key areas such as reducing childhood mortality, developing affordable vaccines, and addressing health inequities in low-income countries.

The decision to spend down the foundation’s resources reflects a strategic shift from its original plan to operate well beyond Gates’ lifetime. Instead, the focus will now be on maximizing impact within a defined timeframe.

While the Gates Foundation will remain a major force in philanthropy over the coming years, its leaders emphasize that private funding cannot replace the scale or reach of government investment. Gates has raised concerns about declining government support and U.S. cuts to foreign aid starting in 2026—a move he warns could undermine progress in public health.

Still, the foundation’s renewed urgency—and its unprecedented financial commitment—signal a determination to make measurable gains while time and resources remain to create lasting change in global health and development.

Easter Meal Initiative Serves Thousands in Northeast Ohio

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Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland provided free Easter meals to thousands across Northeast Ohio, a region where poverty and food insecurity present significant challenges. With Cleveland’s poverty rate exceeding 30% and nearly one-fifth of county residents struggling to secure adequate nutrition, this service addressed crucial community needs.

The meals were distributed both through home delivery and in-person service at the Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center in downtown Cleveland. Approximately 300 volunteers participated in food preparation, packaging, and delivery efforts.

Jim Mullen, CEO and president of Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland, emphasized that the initiative serves purposes beyond basic nourishment. “We hope they get some sense that people care about them,” Mullen explained, noting holidays often intensify feelings of isolation for those without social connections.

This Easter meal program is one component of Catholic Charities’ year-round response to regional food insecurity, which disproportionately affects Black and Latino communities. Economic pressures, including low median incomes and rising food costs, have increased vulnerability for many households, particularly since pandemic-era assistance programs ended.

The Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland also provides other services including mental health counseling, substance use treatment, adoption and foster care, early childhood education, and disability support. They also offer emergency assistance with food, housing, and utilities, as well as employment services and programs for seniors, youth, and immigrant or refugee communities. The organization continuously seeks volunteers to support their ongoing efforts to assist vulnerable populations throughout Northeast Ohio.

Powering a Greener Future

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“Recycle My Battery,” a nonprofit organization founded in 2019, has established more than 1,000 recycling collection points and collected over 625,000 batteries for proper disposal. The New Jersey-based initiative was created by Nihal Tammana when he was just 10 years old after learning about a lithium-ion battery explosion at a waste facility.

The organization’s primary mission addresses a significant environmental concern: improperly discarded batteries can contaminate ecosystems and pose safety hazards. Research conducted by the nonprofit demonstrates that alkaline batteries can alter soil pH to levels that inhibit plant growth, while lithium-ion batteries present fire and explosion risks when compacted in waste facilities.

Through community education programs and “The Battery Challenge” initiative designed for schools, Recycle My Battery raises awareness about proper disposal methods while making recycling accessible. The organization emphasizes that battery recycling produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions and requires less energy and water consumption compared to raw material extraction.

With approximately 1,000 volunteers worldwide, the nonprofit has expanded internationally, collaborating with Australia’s largest battery recycling company and seeing its educational materials featured in German textbooks. The organization is also developing innovative technology to harvest residual energy from used batteries—a project validated by researchers at the University of Waterloo.

Recycle My Battery aims to reach one million recycled batteries by the end of this year and create measurable positive impact through targeted waste reduction efforts. In the words of its now 15-year-old founder, “if I can make the Earth a better place to live, you can…. If you can, we all can.”

Bridging Gaps, One Conversation at a Time

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There’s something grounding about watching people come together over shared purpose—especially when that purpose spans generations, backgrounds, and perspectives.

At MetLife Stadium, nearly 100,000 people filled the stands not for a game, but for the 13th Siyum HaShas—marking the completion of the Talmud cycle, where participants study a page of Talmud each day for over seven years. It was a rare kind of moment: joyful, emotional, and deeply rooted in something bigger than any one individual.

And yet, as monumental as it felt, it was also about something small and consistent—showing up each day, page by page. That quiet kind of consistency runs through so many efforts happening right now. In programs like Kesher Yehudi bring people together for one-on-one learning, often bridging social and cultural divides in the process. There’s no fanfare—just conversation, empathy, and a growing sense of mutual respect.

In classrooms across the U.S., thousands of middle schoolers are engaged in daily Mishnah study through All Mishnah Jr., a program to grow thanks to engaging materials, strong leadership, and tools like the ArtScroll Mishnah series that make learning more accessible for young students. Each day, another page, another spark of curiosity.

Much of this work is made possible thanks to a network of people who care deeply—not for recognition, but for results. Supporters like Ralph Rieder, and others have helped ensure these initiatives not only continue but thrive. Their involvement tends to happen offstage, but the effects are felt every day. Because lasting change rarely announces itself. It shows up in small steps, steady hands, and people who choose to invest where it matters most.

St. Patrick’s Day with Purpose

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When most people think of St. Patrick’s Day, images of green beer and shamrocks come to mind. But in Pittsburgh, the holiday takes on a deeper meaning through The Ireland Funds‘ annual Pittsburgh Gala.

Founded in 1976 by Pittsburgh businessmen Dan Rooney (owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers) and Tony O’Reilly (former CEO of H.J. Heinz Co.), The Ireland Funds has raised over $650 million for causes in Ireland and Irish communities worldwide.

This year’s “Green Tie” Pittsburgh Gala, held on March 17, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium’s UPMC Club, raised more than $700,000. The event honored Chip Ganassi, who received The Daniel M. Rooney Ambassador’s Award, and Evan Frazier, who was awarded The Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award for his work in the Pittsburgh region.

The gala featured creative auction packages including “Touchdown in Ireland”—a trip to watch the Steelers play at Dublin’s Croke Park—and “Chase the Checkered Flag”—an Indianapolis 500 experience with Chip Ganassi Racing.

While St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with revelry, The Ireland Funds offers an alternative: a celebration that honors Irish heritage while creating tangible positive change through support for education, arts, peace initiatives, and community development.

Organ Donation in America’s Heartland

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The Midwest Transplant Network (MTN), serving Kansas and Missouri, achieved progress in organ donation and transplantation during 2024, contributing to a year when the United States surpassed 48,000 organ transplants for the first time in history.

Operating from its headquarters in Westwood, Kansas, MTN facilitated 1,075 organ transplants in 2024, the highest number in its history. These lifesaving organs were recovered from 399 donors across their service region. Additionally, the organization worked with 1,447 cornea and tissue donors, enhancing the lives of countless recipients.

MTN’s success stems from its comprehensive approach to organ donation. The organization maintains partnerships with 109 hospitals across Kansas and Missouri, working closely with medical teams to identify and support potential donor cases. Their clinical coordinators operate 24/7, ensuring no donation opportunity is missed while providing compassionate care to donor families during critical moments.

The organization’s impact extends beyond immediate transplant numbers. MTN conducts community outreach across both urban and rural areas, educating residents about organ donation and maintaining donor registries. These efforts help address the ongoing need for donors in their region, where approximately 2,500 people await lifesaving transplants.

The success of organizations like MTN reflects a broader transformation in U.S. organ donation and transplantation. In 2024, the nation’s transplant system performed over 48,000 organ transplants, marking an unprecedented milestone. This achievement represented a 3.3% increase from the previous year, driven by advances in medical technology, improved donation processes, and greater public awareness. Of these transplants, more than 41,000 came from deceased donors, while living donors contributed over 7,000 organs.

Despite these advances, the need remains critical – more than 100,000 Americans continue to wait for lifesaving transplants, underscoring the importance of regional organizations like MTN in bridging the gap between donors and recipients.

Los Angeles Wildfires: Relief and Recovery Efforts

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The devastating Los Angeles wildfires are mobilizing an unprecedented response from across the nation. Corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies are collaborating to provide both immediate relief and long-term recovery support as the number of affected communities continues to rise.

Corporate Response

Leading the corporate response, Disney has committed $15 million to relief and rebuilding efforts, while Walmart has pledged $2.5 million in aid. The NFL Foundation and four team owners have allocated $5 million for community support, alongside million-dollar contributions from Paramount and FOX Corporation to the American Red Cross. Other corporations are also pledging significant support for relief and rebuilding.

Local support includes the Annenberg and Wasserman Foundations’ joint $1 million contribution to the LA Fire Department Foundation, while the Credit Union of SoCal has established a $1.25 million interest-free loan program for affected residents. SpaceX is enhancing communication capabilities by providing free Starlink terminals to impacted areas.

Immediate Relief Efforts

Several organizations are providing crucial immediate assistance:

  • World Central Kitchen is collaborating with food trucks and local restaurants to serve meals to emergency personnel and evacuees.
  • The American Red Cross LA is operating 7 shelters that have provided safe refuge to over 1,000 individuals.
  • California Fire Foundation has granted over $4 million through their California Rises program.
  • The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is coordinating volunteers and accepting both financial donations and essential items.
  • Project Camp is setting up trauma-informed day camps for displaced children.
  • Airbnb, through 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for displaced residents.

Long-Term Recovery Planning

The federal government has authorized disaster relief for California, enabling affected residents to apply for federal assistance through the newly launched CA.gov/LAfires website. The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund focuses particularly on supporting vulnerable populations, including Native American, Muslim, migrant, and non-English speaking communities.

With damage estimates already approaching $100 billion, reconstruction will face significant challenges, particularly given Los Angeles’s existing housing shortage and limited construction workforce. However, organizations like the League of California Community Foundations are addressing these challenges. They are coordinating with local partners to support home rebuilding, replace lost belongings, and provide essential services including mental health support.

How You Can Help

Crisis reveals the power of collective action. A single donation, an hour of volunteering, a bag of supplies—each gesture ripples outward, touching lives and renewing hope. While major organizations welcome contributions, local groups also play vital roles in community recovery. With the fires still uncontrolled, Los Angeles has a long journey ahead and support remains crucial for its survival, resilience, and hopes of rebuilding.

Robert C. Robbins Advanced University of Arizona Through Philanthropic Legacy

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During his 7-year tenure as University of Arizona President, Robert C. Robbins championed unprecedented philanthropic growth. Following his resignation in September 2024 due to a budget deficit, the university highlighted his many accomplishments.

Under Robert Robbins’ leadership, the university experienced a new era of private support for academic and research missions. Robbins launched the Fuel Wonder campaign with the goal of raising $3 billion for student research and opportunities. This achievement reflects his ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with donors and articulate a compelling vision for the university’s future.

Among the most significant contributions during Dr. Robbins’ presidency was a $50 million gift from R. Ken Coit, leading to the naming of the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. This historic donation has strengthened the university’s position as a leader in pharmaceutical education and research.

University of Arizona President, Robert C. Robbins, meets with students and donors to acknowledge the impact of financial aid.

The James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences received a $20 million pledge from its namesake, James C. Wyant, reinforcing the university’s global leadership in optical science and engineering. Similarly, a $25 million gift from William A. Franke and his family established the W.A. Franke Honors College, enhancing opportunities for exceptional students.

In the field of integrative medicine, a $15 million commitment from Dr. Andrew Weil has furthered the university’s pioneering work in this innovative healthcare approach. This gift exemplifies how Dr. Robert C. Robbins has successfully aligned donor interests with the university’s strategic priorities.

These transformative gifts reflect Bobby Robbins’ ability to build lasting partnerships with philanthropic leaders who share his vision for academic excellence. Under his leadership, private giving became increasingly central to advancing the university’s mission, supporting everything from student scholarships to groundbreaking research initiatives. Robbins has stepped down from his role as University of Arizona President, however, his legacy will continue through his philanthropic engagement of the institution.

To learn more about Robert C. Robbins’ philanthropy and contributions:

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Year-End Giving: A Win-Win for Donors and Nonprofits

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As December draws to a close, the spirit of giving reaches its peak, creating a powerful opportunity for both donors and nonprofit organizations. This surge in charitable giving isn’t just about holiday goodwill—it’s a strategic approach that benefits everyone involved.

For donors, the advantages of year-end giving are significant. Making charitable contributions before December 31st allows individuals to claim valuable tax deductions, potentially reducing their taxable income for the year. Many employers offer matching gift programs during this period, effectively doubling the impact of donations. Additionally, those with IRAs can benefit from charitable rollovers that count toward required minimum distributions while supporting causes they care about.

Leading organizations showcase the effectiveness of strategic year-end campaigns. The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign regularly raises over $100 million. It demonstrates how tradition and innovation can work together, combining their familiar bell ringers with modern payment options like QR codes and mobile giving. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Thanks and Giving Campaign reached the $1 billion milestone last year with the money going to support their work to advance research and treatment for pediatric catastrophic diseases. They transparently show donors the real-life impact of different gift levels and share stories of the children they serve.

Many nonprofits rely heavily on this season of generosity, with approximately 30% of annual giving in the US occurring in December alone. This concentrated period of giving helps organizations meet their annual budget goals, ensuring they can maintain and expand their vital programs in the coming year. The increased visibility during year-end campaigns also helps organizations attract new supporters and strengthen relationships with existing donors.

The timing couldn’t be better for creating meaningful impact. The holiday season can inspire reflection and gratitude, making people more inclined to support causes they care about. Whether honoring loved ones through memorial gifts, establishing a giving tradition, or simply sharing the joy of the season, end-of-year giving creates a ripple effect of positive change in communities.