Divisive Politics Tied to Donors' Reluctance to Give, Survey Finds

In a time of political divisions, economic uncertainty, and social upheaval—a cornerstone of American identity is at risk. The once-unifying desire to help others is unraveling under the weight of compassion fatigue, political polarization, distrust in societal institutions, and a growing belief that the burden of giving should fall solely on the wealthiest.

A national survey of over 900 U.S. respondents, commissioned by Give Freely, reveals that generosity is at risk as political polarization increasingly erodes our giving habits. Give Freely, founded by TripAdvisor co-founder Steve Kaufer, is a mission-driven company transforming online commerce into a force for good.

FINDINGS:

Politics: Political polarization is not only straining Americans' well-being but also reshaping their charitable habits, fostering reluctance to give, participate, or prioritize causes beyond political divides.

• 77% of U.S. respondents believe increasing political polarization has made people more reluctant to give to charitable causes.
• 60% admit political differences have made them hesitant to participate in charitable activities involving people with opposing views.
• Over half report that the deluge of political donation requests have impacted their financial giving.
• 7 in 10 admit political polarization has negatively affected their overall sense of well being.

Crisis after crisis: In an era of constant crises and overwhelming need, many Americans are experiencing compassion fatigue, leaving them emotionally drained and less likely to donate despite their desire to help.

• 76 percent admitted to feeling 'compassion fatigue' when hearing about repeated natural disasters, becoming numb or less responsive over time.
• Over 65 percent reported feeling emotionally drained by the sheer number of causes that need their help.
• Over 64 percent say this fatigue has made them less likely to donate.

Budgets Are Tight: Financial strain is a significant factor in the generosity crisis

• 6 in 10 people report giving less due to financial strain.
• Looking ahead, 56% plan to cut back on future donations due to budget concerns.

The Fix Is In: A growing sense that the system is rigged to favor the wealthy is fueling calls for greater responsibility among the richest Americans while diminishing many people's belief in their ability to make a meaningful difference through charitable giving or volunteering.

• More than half believe that more responsibility to give should shift to the wealthiest individuals in America.
• 73% feel the government and economic systems are rigged to benefit the richest Americans.
• 65% report that their sense of empowerment to create change through charity has been diminished by the belief that “the system is rigged.

A Way Forward: Despite challenges, the survey highlights a path toward rekindling generosity and community spirit. The data show that Americans still crave a sense of connection and hope. Most respondents expressed that participating in a generosity movement or witnessing acts of giving in their community would foster optimism, connection, and hope. The potential of innovative solutions resonated strongly, offering a simple yet impactful way to inspire giving and rebuild faith in collective goodwill during uncertain times.

• 82% say that seeing more generosity in their community would make them feel more optimistic about the future of the U.S.
• 74% agree that giving to others helps them feel more connected and hopeful during uncertain times.
• 71% believe being part of a generosity movement would make them feel more connected to others and their community.
• 80% would likely use a service that allows them to give to charity every time they shop online, with donations covered by the retailer.
• 69% find that giving back during times of global uncertainty (e.g., pandemics, wars, economic crises) has helped them cope and stay positive.

As we navigate a time of deep divisions and persistent challenges, the findings of this survey offer both a stark warning and a glimmer of hope. Generosity—a defining characteristic of American identity—faces serious threats from political polarization, economic strain, and compassion fatigue. Yet, the overwhelming desire among Americans to reconnect through giving and community-building provides a roadmap for renewal. By fostering movements that make generosity accessible, impactful, and unifying, we can begin to restore not only the spirit of giving but also a sense of collective optimism and shared purpose in an increasingly fragmented society.

If America is to recover from the toxic combination of polarization and compassion fatigue, we must remind ourselves why generosity matters. It’s not just about the immediate impact of donations; it’s about sustaining a sense of collective responsibility and ensuring that, even in the darkest times, we don’t lose sight of our shared humanity.

Source: Give Freely

The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of NonProfit PRO.