American Giving Quick Facts
Financial data is adjusted for inflation. See sources below.
THE REALIZATION
In 2020, as I sat in the secret place, seeking God's guidance on where we went wrong, what we should do, and how to heal our country, I heard three words: "Tell them this." It came as a thought, a vision of a chart I had seen before, and a sudden, electrifying feeling that surged through my entire body. Then it was gone, leaving me to wonder, "Tell who? Tell them how?"
I don't know if it was God, an angel, the Holy Spirit, or Jesus, but I felt compelled to share the chart below. It shows the income distributed to every American since 1991 and poses a significant question: What if those who believe in God faithfully tithed to the church and were more charitable with their resources? My favorite verses in the Bible are Malachi 3:9-12.
“You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.
Through my research, I've realized that we fall short of these verses and, consequently, miss out on experiencing God's ultimate power.
CHARITABLE GIVING
From 1984 to 2024, real disposable personal income in the U.S. increased dramatically from $6.01 trillion to $17.72 trillion, a staggering 194.9% increase.
Despite this significant rise in wealth over the decades, charitable giving—especially to churches—has been in steady decline.
This suggests that while Americans have become wealthier, our charitable giving has not kept pace.
In 1984, charitable giving by individuals totaled $56.46 billion. Religious giving made up 62% of total charitable giving.
In 2024 charitable giving by individuals was $392.45 billion, a significant increase from 1984. But the share of that given to churches or religious causes fell to 23% of total charitable giving, a 39 percentage-point decline over four decades.
When we break this down further we find that Americans are directing a much smaller share of their charitable giving to religious causes than they were forty years ago. This despite the fact that during that same time period the median household income in the US has increased by 38.6%.
WEALTHY DONERS
Wealthy donors seem to be changing their giving patterns as well, and may account for the rise in giving to secular foundations over recent decades. Recent data shows that foundations now account for 19% of total giving, up from just 7% in 1984, reflecting a significant shift in how charitable dollars are distributed. At the same time, giving to religion has declined sharply as a share of total donations, falling from 62% in 1984 to 23% in 2024. This suggests that a growing portion of large-scale philanthropy is being directed away from religious institutions and toward foundations and other secular causes.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
Fewer Americans identify as religious or attend services today than at any time in the past. Church attendance has dropped significantly since the 1980s, falling from around 40–42% to about 30% today, and Gallup polling consistently shows a steady decrease in the number of Americans who think religion is important.
Even more striking, the number of Americans who are self-professed Christians has declined significantly—from roughly 90% in the 1970s to around 70% today.
THE SOLUTION
"Test me in this.” These words from Malachi 3:10 are unique; they are the only instance in the entire Bible where God invites us to put Him to the test. He challenges us to trust Him with our tithes and offerings, promising that He will respond with abundant blessings. This invitation is not just about financial giving; it’s a profound call to deepen our faith and trust in God's provision.
The struggles we face today—internal strife, moral decline, and widespread discontent—are symptoms of a deeper spiritual malaise. We have drifted from the principles of generosity and stewardship that God has laid out for us. The solution is clear and powerful: we need to increase our giving, both to our churches and to worthy charities. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and open the door to His blessings.
Unsure where to begin? We've created a list of charities we recommend for generous giving. While we are not affiliated with these organizations, we believe in the significant impact of their work. You can find that list Here.
Imagine a nation where believers faithfully tithe and give generously. The impact would be transformative. Churches would be empowered to reach more souls, charities would have the resources to serve those in need, and communities would flourish. We would begin to see a restoration of moral values and a renewal of hope.
God's promise in Malachi is not just a historical footnote; it is a living, breathing challenge to us today. Let's take God at His word. Let's test Him by increasing our tithes and charitable giving, and watch as He fulfills His promise to open the floodgates of heaven. Together, we can heal our land and experience the fullness of God's power and blessings. Together we can change and save the world. Together, we can Make America God's Again!
