Trends point to a defining moment for Idaho philanthropy

New data from Giving USA shows that charitable giving continues to grow, with total giving rising 3.1% in 2025 when adjusted for inflation. At the same time, one of the most notable shifts is a 19% increase in giving through bequests – a signal that more Americans are choosing to make philanthropy part of their long-term legacy.

For Idaho leaders, those trends point to both progress and possibility.

“Across Idaho, we see every day how generosity strengthens communities,” said Kevin Bailey, Vice President of Impact & Nonprofit Center at the Idaho Community Foundation. “At the same time, these national trends reinforce something important, we are in a defining moment for how people choose to give, and how that giving will shape Idaho’s future.”

In Idaho, nonprofits are essential to how communities’ function – often stepping in where other systems fall short, filling critical gaps and ensuring vital services reach people across the state. Through charitable funds, grantmaking, nonprofit support, and statewide efforts like Idaho Gives, the Idaho Community Foundation connects donors, nonprofits, and local leaders to meet needs across the state.

That impact is growing. In 2025, the foundation granted, distributed, and helped raise $21.2 million for Idaho communities, an increase of roughly 10% from $19.2 million the year prior. Early 2026 data shows continued momentum, reflecting both increasing community need and sustained generosity across the state.

Looking ahead, Idaho is also on the front edge of a historic shift: the transfer of wealth between generations. According to a 2025 statewide Transfer of Wealth analysis, by 2035 more than $30.6 billion is expected to transfer from one Idaho generation to the next – growing to $149 billion over 40 years. If just 5% of that wealth were directed to permanent, local charitable funds, it could generate more than $1.8 billion in charitable support for Idaho communities over time.

“This is an opportunity for Idahoans to think intentionally about their impact,” Bailey said. “Philanthropy isn’t just about today – it’s about what we want our communities to look like in the future, and the role each of us can play in building that.”

As national giving trends evolve, Idaho’s approach remains rooted in connection and local leadership – neighbors helping neighbors, and communities coming together to respond to shared challenges.

The Idaho Community Foundation encourages individuals, families, and businesses to consider how they can support the causes they care about – whether through current giving, volunteering, or including a charitable gift in their long-term plans.

Since 1988, the Idaho Community Foundation has helped Idahoans invest in the people, places, and causes they care about. Through statewide programs, including The Nonprofit Center and Idaho Gives, ICF helps communities by growing philanthropy, elevating nonprofit impact, and connecting Idahoans to opportunities to give back. 

To learn more, go to idahocf.org or email [email protected].

    Guests gathered in Coeur d’Alene recently for the 2026 Idaho Gives event.