Across the nation, Americans are fueled by a deep desire to make a difference, whether by helping those in need, protecting the environment, or supporting a cause close to their hearts. While personal beliefs play a major role in the charities people choose to support, social factors—like where one lives—can also influence exposure to and engagement with nonprofits. With this in mind, we set out to explore how interest in charitable organizations varies across different regions.
In the spirit of giving, we reviewed search interest for 100 major charities across the country using Google Trends. By focusing on a broad selection of well-known nonprofit organizations, we were able to identify the top-searched charity in each state based on search activity over the past 12 months. The results show some interesting regional preferences while leaving some questions as to why certain states support the causes they do. We’ll dive into the trends to reveal the top-searched charities and explore what makes these organizations so impactful across different parts of the country.
The Top-Searched Charity in Every U.S. State
Charitable giving is deeply ingrained in American culture, with individuals nationwide seeking out organizations that benefit causes dear to them. But which organizations hold a special place in the hearts of residents in each state? To find out, we analyzed Google Trends data from the past 12 months, uncovering the most-searched charity in every U.S. state. Here’s what we found:
Goodwill Industries – Most popular charity in 5 states
Goodwill Industries stands as the most popular charity across the U.S., topping the search charts in five states. Its commitment to providing job training and employment opportunities through the sale of donated goods makes Goodwill a popular charity in both the West and Midwest, with states like Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Oregon, and Wisconsin showing strong support.
Alzheimer’s Association – Most popular in 4 states
The Alzheimer’s Association, dedicated to supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s and advancing research to find a cure, is the top-searched charity in four states. Its interest doesn’t show a particularly strong regional trend, with widespread support across the U.S. in states like Illinois, Kansas, New Mexico, and Rhode Island. However, this could reflect the universal impact that Alzheimer’s disease has.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America – Most popular in 4 states
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which provides after-school programs for young people, has resonated with communities in the Western and Midwestern U.S. This organization plays a key role in fostering the development of youth and is the top-searched in states like Delaware, Idaho, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Wounded Warrior Project, American Heart Association, Direct Relief
– Each most popular in 3 states
These three charities each claim the top spot in three states, demonstrating various causes that strike a chord with different regions.
- The Wounded Warrior Project, focused on supporting veterans, is often searched by residents in Montana, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, states with a strong connection to military communities.
- The American Heart Association, dedicated to heart disease prevention and education, sees high search interest in Nebraska, Massachusetts, and Texas. The Texas connection is unsurprising as that’s where the American Heart Association National Center is located.
- Direct Relief, known for its humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts, leads in Louisiana, Maine, and New Jersey. States like Louisiana have been greatly affected by natural disasters, so the interest in that cause hits close to home for many.
As we look across the U.S., charitable giving reflects both local priorities and national concerns. The diversity of the charities we analyzed highlights the wide range of causes Americans care about, from health and wellness to supporting veterans and providing educational opportunities for youth.
Closing Thoughts
Throughout the nation, it’s clear to see that charitable giving in the U.S. highlights the wide array of causes that touch people’s hearts. Whether they contribute to offering a hand in the wake of disaster, advancing medical research or simply getting disadvantaged individuals back on their feet, the impact of these organizations is far-reaching and long-lasting. The variety of the top-searched charities highlights how deeply Americans care about making a difference in their communities and beyond.
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Methodology
To determine the top-searched charity in every U.S. state, we first compiled a list of 50 of the largest charities in the country based on Forbes’ rankings. We then analyzed Google Trends search data from September 2023 to September 2024 to uncover regional interest. By comparing search activity, we identified each state’s most popular charity over the past year. We used high search interest as an indicator of popularity.
