Local Foundations Unleash $1.2 Million to Transform Communities in 2025

West Palm Beach, Florida, USA - As we delve into the landscape of philanthropy on this seventh day of June in 2025, there’s a refreshing wave of generosity flowing through our communities. Notably, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has recently appointed Tandy Robinson as the chair of its Philanthropic Advisory Council. Robinson, a private wealth advisor at Goldman Sachs in West Palm Beach, is set to guide efforts aimed at connecting local philanthropists with pressing community needs.

This appointment comes at a time when charitable giving across the U.S. has seen a bit of a rollercoaster ride. In 2023, Americans donated a staggering $557.16 billion, marking a modest 2.1% decrease compared to the previous year. However, it’s heartening to note that corporate giving experienced a boost, landing at $36.55 billion—a 3.0% increase from 2022. Foundation giving rose to $103.53 billion, while giving by bequest notably surged by 8.0%, reaching $42.68 billion. Individuals, who make up the backbone of charitable contributions, donated $374.40 billion in 2023, accounting for 67% of the total charitable giving, according to NPTrust.

Local Impact and Initiatives

Looking at other areas of the country, the Chula Vista Community Foundation in California recently made headlines by awarding $30,000 each to the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility and SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services). These grants are designed to enhance shelter animal transport and urgent care operations, as well as support family resilience through pilot programs.

In South Carolina, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is taking significant strides by awarding $618,427 to 11 organizations during its second impact grant cycle for fiscal year 2025. This wave of support exemplifies the concerted efforts being made across the nation to uplift communities, especially in an era where the demand for essential services is rising due to lingering effects from the pandemic.

• Largest allocations of charitable dollars in 2023:
• Religion: 24%
• Human services: 14%
• Education: 14%
• Grantmaking foundations: 13%
• Public-society benefit: 10%

Yet, the challenges in philanthropy are not to be ignored. While foundation grantmaking has increased, overall charitable giving adjusted for inflation presents a different picture. Inflation woes are squeezing nonprofit, government, and household budgets, forcing even the most generous to rethink their contributions. The Johnson Center notes that while there was a post-pandemic hope for a lasting transformation in philanthropy, many funders have slipped back into pre-pandemic habits, much to the concern of advocates for more equitable funding practices.

The Road Ahead

As we navigate these fluctuating tides of giving, one thing remains clear: the necessity for innovative and responsive approaches in philanthropy is more crucial than ever. Initiatives like Trust-Based Philanthropy and racial equity movements continue to fight for space at the table, yet they face ever-renewed challenges. With the Philanthropy Innovation Fund’s support, future innovations in philanthropy and community-building will likely open new doors for meaningful change.

In a year marked by mixed trends, from increased corporate donations to a decline in individual giving, it will be imperative for everyone—especially our local leaders—to advocate for causes that truly make a difference. The statistics speak for themselves, but it’s up to us to turn those numbers into real community impact, thereby honoring the spirit of giving that binds us all.

For more insights, Philanthropy News Digest reports on the latest awards and initiatives, NPTrust provides a comprehensive look at charitable giving trends, and Johnson Center discusses upcoming shifts in the philanthropic landscape.