Indian Americans are rapidly reshaping the global landscape of charitable giving. A new report, “From Closing the Gap to Setting the Standard: The State of Philanthropic Giving in the Indian American Diaspora,” finds that Indian American philanthropy has surged to an estimated $4–5 billion in 2024, nearly tripling since 2018.
The report—jointly produced by Dalberg, Indiaspora, and the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA)—marks a defining moment for the community. The “annual giving gap,” once estimated at $2–3 billion, has now dropped to just $1 billion, placing Indian Americans within reach of their full philanthropic potential.
“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.”
While the rise in giving partly reflects increasing Indian American incomes, the study credits much of the growth to a deepened commitment to philanthropy, especially among higher-income donors who now donate a larger share of their income than the U.S. average.
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Over the past decade, coordinated initiatives, ranging from annual summits to community-led donor drives, have transformed giving from an individual act into a collective movement.
“Our 2018 study revealed the untapped potential for philanthropy in the Indian American community,” said M.R. Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora. “Through initiatives like the annual Philanthropy Summit and intense donor engagement during COVID, we worked with partners to address and change that. This 2025 report shows real progress — the community is giving more and building a lasting culture of generosity.”
Despite the progress, the report identifies key areas where the community can do more—particularly by supporting second- and third-generation donors, women donors, and novice givers.
Nearly one in four NextGen respondents said they haven’t yet been asked to give to causes they care about. Many younger donors are drawn to giving circles, collaborative groups that combine community, learning, and philanthropy, with 24% of NextGen donors and 33% of NextGen women expressing interest in joining one.
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To close the remaining gap, the study recommends:
- Developing resources that demystify giving for new donors.
- Making it easier to find and support high-quality nonprofits, especially those based in India.
- Encouraging family-based giving models that engage multiple generations.
Looking ahead, the community’s potential is staggering. Over the next 20 years, Indian Americans are expected to transfer $2 trillion in wealth. If NextGen inheritors donate even 1% of that wealth annually, it could amount to $20 billion in yearly giving, far surpassing national averages.
“The philanthropic potential of the Indian American diaspora is tremendous,” said Swetha Totapally, partner at Dalberg. “Combined with their volunteering, networks, and professional skills, this capital can make lasting changes in society. We hope this study inspires greater, faster, and more strategic giving among the community.”
The study concludes with a clear call to action: Indian Americans are within striking distance of closing the giving gap once and for all. With sustained collaboration, transparency, and next-generation engagement, the community could soon move from closing the gap to setting a global benchmark for diaspora philanthropy.