(image from https://www.vanguardcharitable.org/)
Users of the Vanguard Charitable donor-advised fund granted $3.9 billion to nearly 67,000 nonprofits during 2025. It’s the ninth straight year of record giving, the grantmaker announced.
The grant total is an increase of 27% compared to 2024. More than one-quarter of granting occurred from November 1 to December 31. During that time, donors granted nearly $1 billion ($953 million).
Vanguard Charitable donors gave to a range of nonprofits, with the top five supported cause areas being human services (72,000), religion (54,000), education (38,000), health (33,000), and environment and wildlife (20,000).
The five nonprofits Vanguard Charitable donors supported most by number of grants were:
- Doctors Without Borders
- World Central Kitchen
- American Civil Liberties Union Foundation
- Planned Parenthood Federation of America
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Amid the 2025 extended government shutdown, Vanguard Charitable donors responding quickly to rising food insecurity across the country. From October 1 to November 13, $19 million was granted to more than 750 free food programs and food banks, with the average grant size being $5,721. Across the full 2025 calendar year, donors granted more than $61 million to food banks and food programs, a 36% increase from 2024.
Half of all grants issued last year were unrestricted, accounting for $2 billion, an approach that allows charities to direct funds where they’re most needed.
“2025 was a record year for Vanguard Charitable and a powerful reflection of our donors’ generosity and steadfast commitment to philanthropy,” said Rebecca Moffett, president of Vanguard Charitable via a statement. “What continues to inspire me most is how purposefully our donors act, whether responding to urgent community needs or providing ongoing support to causes close to their hearts. Leveraging a donor-advised fund as a flexible, strategic giving tool allows donors to respond to evolving needs, plan thoughtfully, and maximize their impact over time.”
