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
in donor-recommended grants,
a 24% increase from 2019
Unique charities that received donor-recommended grants—with donors supporting many new organizations in addition to maintaining support for their usual charities.
2020 inspired active and engaged giving, with the average Giving Account recommending nearly 13 grants, up from 10.8 in 2019.
Grant recommendations that were designated “where needed most,” allowing nonprofits to choose how to address their most urgent and immediate needs.
SPOTLIGHT
Donors responded generously to meet the variety of medical and economic needs brought on by COVID-19.
Donor support helped to address the critical medical needs of an overburdened healthcare system—including protective equipment and research for a vaccine.
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.
As countless businesses shuttered and unemployment surged, donors sought to provide financial assistance to groups most affected by unemployment.
FUNDING DONOR GIVING
NON-CASH ASSETS
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
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.
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.
7.7 billion meals
Fidelity Charitable lifetime granting to free food programs could provide 7.7 billion meals—enough to serve dinner to every American for three weeks.
1.2 million children
Fidelity Charitable lifetime granting to international relief organizations could sponsor 1.2 million children for a year.
4.7 million transfusions
Fidelity Charitable lifetime granting to hospitals is enough to provide 4.7 million red blood cell transfusions to kids with cancer.
809.8 million trees
Fidelity Charitable lifetime granting to environmental conservation efforts could plant 809.8 million trees—the equivalent of shutting down 94 coal-fired power plants for a year.
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Here is charitable giving guidance to help support medical relief efforts, as well as the communities and people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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