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Indian American philanthropy surges as giving gap shrinks to $1 billion: Report
A new report finds diaspora donations up sharply, reducing the giving gap from $3 billion to $1 billion, and urges greater engagement from women and next-generation donors.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 30, Oct 2025
- 12:59 EDT
- 22
Representative Image / Courtesy: Unsplash
Indian American philanthropy has reached a turning point, with annual giving nearly tripling to an estimated $4–5 billion in 2024, according to a new report jointly released by Dalberg, Indiaspora, and the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA).
The study named 'From Closing the Gap to Setting the Standard: The State of Philanthropic Giving in the Indian American Diaspora' shows the community has reduced its giving gap—the difference between potential and actual giving—from $2–3 billion to $1 billion over six years.
The findings point to growing wealth and a stronger culture of philanthropy among Indian Americans, particularly those in higher-income brackets who now donate a greater share of their income than the national average.
Also Read: How are Indian Americans changing perspectives in 2025?
“For years, closing the vast philanthropic gap seemed unachievable,” said Alex Counts, executive director of the India Philanthropy Alliance. “Seeing the deficit drop to just $1 billion is a testament to what coordinated action, data, and community leadership can accomplish. Now, we must rally to turn this remarkable gain into a lasting legacy by closing the gap completely and setting a new global standard for diaspora giving.”
The report attributes the rise to both higher incomes and a growing awareness of structured, strategic giving. It also highlights a need to focus on emerging donor groups—particularly women, second- and third-generation Indian Americans, and new philanthropists—who express strong interest in giving but face practical barriers such as lack of outreach or guidance.
Nearly a quarter of younger respondents reported never being asked to donate to causes they care about, underscoring the need for greater engagement initiatives.
“Our 2018 study revealed the untapped potential for philanthropy in the Indian American community,” said MR Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora. “Through initiatives like the annual Philanthropy Summit, intense donor engagement during COVID, and other initiatives, we worked with community partners to address and change that. This 2025 report shows real progress—the community is giving more and building a lasting culture of generosity.”
The study recommends more tools to simplify giving, such as resources for first-time donors, platforms to identify credible nonprofits—especially in India—and structures for collaborative giving, including family initiatives and giving circles.
According to Swetha Totapally, partner at Dalberg, Indian Americans are expected to transfer $2 trillion in wealth over the next two decades. “The philanthropic potential of the Indian American diaspora is tremendous,” she said.
“Combined with their deep levels of volunteering, their networks, influence, and professional skills, this capital can be used to make lasting changes in society. We hope this study inspires greater, faster, and more strategic giving among the community,” she added.
The report urges Indian Americans to move from closing the gap to defining new global standards for diaspora philanthropy.
It concludes that with transparency, collaboration, and engagement of the next generation, the community is positioned not only to meet but also to exceed its giving potential.
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