Foundation Giving Forecast to Reach $120 Billion in 2026 on Asset Surge
March 8, 2026 · 2 min read
Claire Cummings
U.S. foundation giving is on pace to reach $118 billion to $122 billion in 2026, a 5–7% jump from approximately $112 billion last year, according to forecasts published by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The growth is driven by a foundation asset base that has swelled to roughly $1.75 trillion.
What's Driving the Growth
The Chronicle's analysis identifies three-year average asset levels as the most reliable predictor of foundation giving, with payout rates consistently falling between 6.8% and 7.2% of that rolling average. With equity markets rising through most of 2024 and 2025, the asset base supporting 2026 payouts is at historic highs.
Foundations are leaning into the moment. Several major funders have created emergency response funds and accelerated commitments to food banks and social services as federal funding faces disruption. Global health, child and maternal health, and poverty alleviation are seeing increased allocations through collaborative vehicles.
The DAF Factor
Donor-advised funds continue to outpace overall charitable giving growth, with record grant activity and account openings reported across major DAF sponsors. Organizations that understand how donors use DAFs — as flexible, tax-efficient giving vehicles rather than traditional grants — are capturing a disproportionate share of this expanding pool.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act further accelerates the shift by introducing an above-the-line charitable deduction for non-itemizers and new AGI thresholds for both individuals and corporations, creating fresh tax incentives for donors to give through structured vehicles.
What Grant Seekers Should Watch
The caveat in every forecast: these projections assume equity markets hold near current levels. A significant downturn would compress the three-year asset average and slow payout growth.
For nonprofits, the practical takeaway is that foundation dollars are growing but becoming more strategic. Funders want evidence of impact, and the organizations that can deliver it will have an advantage in an increasingly competitive landscape. Granted helps nonprofits research funders and identify the right foundation matches. Visit the Granted blog for detailed funder analysis.