Extraordinary circumstances inspired extraordinary generosity in 2020. The Fidelity Charitable Giving Report looks back at how our community of more than a quarter million donors was a sustaining force in philanthropy in a year defined by unthinkable crises.

 

In 2020, Fidelity Charitable made

$ 5,236,358,731

in donor-recommended grants,
a 24% increase from 2019

170 thousand

Unique charities that received donor-recommended grants—with donors supporting many new organizations in addition to maintaining support for their usual charities.

12.8 more grants

2020 inspired active and engaged giving, with the average Giving Account recommending nearly 13 grants, up from 10.8 in 2019.

63 percent

Grant recommendations that were designated “where needed most,” allowing nonprofits to choose how to address their most urgent and immediate needs.

SPOTLIGHT

In the chaos of a global pandemic, donor generosity provided hope

Donors responded generously to meet the variety of medical and economic needs brought on by COVID-19.

Two doctors putting on their plastic gloves

Donor support helped to address the critical medical needs of an overburdened healthcare system—including protective equipment and research for a vaccine.

A woman picking up a box of food off the ground.

Economic devastation wreaked havoc across the country, and food banks struggled to keep up with a dramatic increase in demand. Donor support for free food programs skyrocketed.

A woman sitting on a bus, looking out the window and wearing a protective mask.

As countless businesses shuttered and unemployment surged, donors sought to provide financial assistance to groups most affected by unemployment.

FUNDING DONOR GIVING

Strategic giving methods generate more dollars for charity

NON-CASH ASSETS

68 percent

Two-thirds of donor contributions in 2020 were in the form of strategic non-cash assets, which can allow donors to give more than by selling the assets prior to contributing to charity.

INVESTMENT GROWTH

Investment growth chart

Even as donors stepped up their grant recommendations in response to the events of 2020, a strong stock market led to significant investment growth of charitable assets. Since inception, Giving Account growth has generated $15 billion in net dollars available for granting.

30th anniversary

Celebrating our 30th anniversary

Since inception in 1991, Fidelity Charitable has facilitated $51 billion in donor-recommended grants to charity. To celebrate our first 30 years, we’re looking back at our donor community’s support over time.

Read more about these record-setting results and how our donors are using a Giving Account to make an impact.

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Additional insights

What is a donor-advised fund?

A donor-advised fund is a simple, flexible and tax-efficient way to give to your favorite charities while potentially growing your donations over time.

Donor stories

These articles and videos highlight how Fidelity Charitable donors use a Giving Account to make more of a difference.

How to help

Here is charitable giving guidance to help support medical relief efforts, as well as the communities and people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.