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Indian American Philanthropy Narrows Giving Gap from $2–3 Billion to Just $1 Billion - New Report Urges the Community to Set the Global Standard for Philanthropy
October 30, 2025 – Washington, DC
A landmark study, From Closing the Gap to Setting the Standard: The State of Philanthropic Giving in the Indian American Diaspora, draws national attention to an extraordinary milestone in Indian American philanthropy: Indian American giving has nearly tripled to reach an estimated $4-5 billion in 2024, compared to a baseline report completed in 2018. As a result, the annual giving gap – the difference between Indian Americans’ giving potential and actual donations – plummeted from $2–3 billion to just $1 billion. Produced collaboratively by Dalberg, Indiaspora, and the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA), this report marks a pivotal inflection point, signaling that Indian Americans are within reach of their fullest philanthropic potential—and poised to set a bold new benchmark for diaspora giving everywhere.
Over the past decade, coordinated community action has turned what once felt like an insurmountable challenge into measurable progress. As the report details, part of the increase in giving can be attributed to an increase in Indian American incomes over the last decade. But the primary driver has been a deepened commitment to giving, especially among higher-income donors who now donate a larger share of their income than the U.S. average. Alex Counts, Executive Director of the India Philanthropy Alliance, said, “For years, closing the vast philanthropic gap seemed unachievable. 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 also highlights what it will take to close the remaining $1 billion giving gap. More community action is needed to support second-and-third generation (e.g., NextGen) donors, women donors, and self-reported novice donors, all of whom want to give more, but face unique barriers in translating that ambition into action. For example, nearly a quarter of NextGen respondents haven’t even been asked to donate to causes they care about, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives that engage the next generation as donors, members, and leaders. NextGen donors are particularly excited about initiatives that braid community, learning, and giving together, such as giving circles, which 24% of NextGen donors and 33% of NextGen women are excited to participate in. Other solutions detailed in the report include developing resources that demystify giving for novice donors, making it easier for donors to find and give to high quality nonprofits, especially those in India, and facilitating more effective family giving. MR Rangaswami, the founder of Indiaspora, said, "Our 2018 study revealed the untapped potential for philanthropy in the Indian American community. 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."
Swetha Totapally, Partner at Dalberg, notes that the community is expected to transfer $2 trillion in wealth over the next twenty years. If NextGen inheritors donate just 1% of this wealth annually, that would represent $20 billion in annual giving. The Indian American Diaspora has the unique opportunity and ability to aim much higher than the national average giving rate. And beyond the quantity of giving, there are also significant opportunities to increase the quality of giving, with the report highlighting a significant remaining gap between the issues Indian American donors are passionate about and where their donations actually go, especially when it comes to important causes like gender equality and climate change. More can be done to enhance trust, build confidence, and make it easier to give to causes the community cares about. Totapally said, "The philanthropic potential of the Indian American diaspora is tremendous. 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."
As From Closing the Gap to Setting the Standard urges, the time to act is now. Indian Americans are within striking distance of closing the giving gap once and for all. And they can aim much higher: continued dedication to transparency, data-driven collaboration, and next-generation engagement can push the community from closing the gap to rewriting what’s possible through diaspora philanthropy globally.
Access the full report, including comprehensive findings and infographics, here:
dalberg.com/our-ideas/the-state-of-philanthropic-giving-in-the-indian-american-diaspora
About the Partner Organizations that Produced this Report
Dalberg
Dalberg Advisors is a strategic advisory firm that combines the best of private-sector strategy skills and rigorous analytical capabilities with deep knowledge and networks across emerging and frontier markets. The firm works collaboratively with partners across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to promote inclusive growth and help clients achieve their goals.
Indiaspora
Indiaspora, a nonprofit organization, unites global leaders of Indian origin from diverse backgrounds and professions who are committed to inspiring the diaspora to be a force for good by providing a platform to collaborate, build community engagement, and catalyze social change.
India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA)
The India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) is a coalition of nonprofit, philanthropic, and charitable organizations dedicated to mobilizing people and funding in the United States (and elsewhere) to foster development and alleviate poverty in India. Our journey began in late 2017 when leaders from various nonprofits based in the United States, sharing a common vision for humanitarian and developmental goals in India, began to meet informally. In October 2019, the IPA formally announced itself to the public.
www.indiaphilanthropyalliance.org
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