There's a cynical narrative that Americans are fundamentally selfish—that we're only concerned with our own well-being and have little interest in helping those less fortunate. But the data tells a completely different story. From charitable giving to support for social programs, Americans consistently demonstrate that they care deeply about helping the disadvantaged.

Americans Are the World's Most Generous

The numbers are staggering. Americans gave $592.50 billion to charity in 2024, a 6.3% increase from the previous year. That's not just wealthy donors—individuals across income levels contributed $392.45 billion of that total.

The World Giving Index identified the United States as the most charitable country, and the reasons are clear: 72% of Americans reported helping a stranger, 61% donated to charity, and 42% volunteered their time.

This isn't just about writing checks. Approximately 63 million Americans—25% of the adult population—volunteer their time, contributing 4.1 billion hours valued at $122.9 billion. On average, Americans spend 52 hours per year volunteering.

And where does this money go? While religion receives 23% of donations, human services organizations receive 14%—showing a clear commitment to helping those facing immediate hardship.

Bipartisan Support for the Social Safety Net

Perhaps even more telling than private charity is Americans' support for government programs that help the disadvantaged. This support crosses party lines in ways that might surprise you.

According to recent polling from the Bipartisan Policy Center, 93% of Americans consider Social Security to be a valuable federal program—the highest rating among all programs tested. More than three in four Americans support Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP (food stamps).

On SNAP specifically, a national survey found that 70% of Americans favor the program, while only 15% oppose it. Even more striking: 64% hold a favorable opinion of SNAP compared to just 14% who view it unfavorably. Clear majorities of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans all express support for the program that helps 41 million Americans afford food.

Americans Back Policies That Help Families

The support extends beyond existing programs to proposals for expanding help to those who need it. Polling from the Center for American Progress shows impressive cross-party agreement:

65% of voters across partisan lines support increasing the child tax credit, including 76% of Democrats, 64% of independents, and more than half of Republicans
74% of voters across party lines favor requiring employers to provide paid sick time, including 84% of Democrats, 74% of independents, and 63% of Republicans
71% of voters across party lines believe it's time for a national paid family and medical leave program, including 86% of Democrats, 68% of independents, and 58% of Republicans

Personal Experience Drives Empathy

Part of why support for these programs crosses party lines may be that so many Americans have personal experience with them. Pew Research found that significant proportions of Democrats (60%) and Republicans (52%) say they have benefited from a major entitlement program at some point in their lives.

Nearly equal shares of self-identifying conservatives (57%), liberals (53%), and moderates (53%) also report having benefited from these programs. When you or someone you love has needed help, you understand why these programs matter.

Values, Not Self-Interest

What motivates this generosity? According to Bank of America's study of philanthropy, 68% of affluent donors are guided by their personal values or beliefs, while 57% are motivated by their interest in specific issue areas. This isn't transactional—it's deeply personal.

Americans give not because of what they get in return, but because they believe it's the right thing to do. Whether through private charity or support for public programs, Americans demonstrate again and again that they want to help those who are struggling.

The Real America

The cynical narrative about American selfishness doesn't hold up to scrutiny. The data paints a very different picture: a nation that gives more to charity than any other country, where a quarter of all adults volunteer their time, where strong majorities support programs that help the disadvantaged, and where support for helping those in need crosses party lines.

Americans aren't perfect, and our safety net has gaps. But the idea that Americans don't care about the disadvantaged? The evidence says otherwise. From the $592 billion given to charity to the bipartisan 70% support for SNAP, Americans consistently show they believe in helping those who need it.