Last updated June 2026 · 10 cited sources

Religion is the single largest category of charitable giving in the United States — Americans give roughly $145 billion a year to religious organizations¹. Yet the gap between what Christians are taught to give (the biblical tithe of 10%) and what they actually give is wide: only about 5% of churchgoers tithe, and the average giver contributes closer to 2.5% of income². Here are the most reliable, sourced statistics on religious giving and tithing.

$145Bgiven to religion yearly (U.S.)

5%of churchgoers tithe (give 10%)

2.5%average giving as share of income

24%of all U.S. charity goes to religion

How much do Americans give to religion?

According to Giving USA, total charitable giving in the United States runs over half a trillion dollars annually, and religion is consistently the largest single recipient category — roughly $145 billion, or about a quarter of all giving¹. Even so, religion's share of total giving has gradually declined over the decades as other causes have grown³.

How many Christians actually tithe?

Despite the prominence of the tithe in Christian teaching, actual tithing is rare. Studies consistently find that only about 5% of churchgoers give a full 10% of their income, and that the average Christian household gives around 2.5% of income — well below the tithe². Lifeway Research finds that while a large majority of Protestant churchgoers give something to their church, only a minority give a full tithe⁴. Not sure what a tithe looks like on your income? Try our free tithe calculator.

Tithe a full 10%~5%

Give nothing~25%

Giving trends over time

The research group empty tomb, inc. has tracked church member giving for decades and reports that giving as a percentage of income has trended downward over the long run, even as total dollars have risen with incomes³. Barna Group similarly notes that younger generations give at lower rates than older ones, raising long-term sustainability questions for congregations⁵.

The shift to online and recurring giving

How people give has changed dramatically. Digital giving — online, mobile, and text — has grown rapidly, accelerating sharply after 2020, and a large and rising share of church donations now arrive electronically rather than in the offering plate⁶. Churches that offer recurring online giving typically see more consistent revenue, since automated gifts continue even when members miss a service⁷. HolyJot includes free church giving software so congregations can accept online and recurring gifts at no cost.

Who gives the most?

Giving rises with age and with religious commitment. Older adults and weekly attenders give substantially more — both in dollars and as a share of income — than younger or less-engaged members⁸. Practicing Christians are far more likely to give to their church and to other charities than the general population⁵. For church leaders, transparent reporting and a clear stewardship vision are among the strongest drivers of generosity⁹ — see our overview of tools for churches.

Where church giving goes

Most congregational income funds staff, facilities, and ministry programs, with a smaller share directed to missions and benevolence. National Association of Church Business Administration data and denominational reports indicate that personnel costs alone often account for roughly half of a typical church budget¹⁰. Building a transparent budget your members trust is one of the most effective ways to grow giving — our free church budget template can help.

Sources

Change log

Jun 2026Initial 2026 edition published.

Religious Giving & Tithing Statistics (2026 Edition)