5 Nonprofit Fundraising Trends In 2025

In the ever-changing world of nonprofit work, it’s essential to stay on top of trends. That’s why, to kick off the year, we’ve made a list of the most important nonprofit fundraising trends of 2025.

No matter the size of your organization, it’s vital that you always refine your approach to fundraising. Follow these five trends and you will!

The Five Nonprofit Fundraising Trends To Take Advantage Of In 2025

1) Virtual Events Take Center Stage

Why It Matters:

During the pandemic, virtual events gained significant traction. A few years later, they aren’t going anywhere. The technology that supports online gatherings has only improved in 2025. These kinds of events offer nonprofits the chance to not only connect with donors on a global scale, but to do so in a cost-effective way.

What You Can Do:

• Implement More Virtual Events: Obvious point here, but if people want more digital events, it’s your job to provide them. The main point here is that it should be a quality one. You should also make it easy to sign up. If people are confused about how to attend, your fundraisers will suffer as a result.
• Use The Right Technology: This is all about digitalization. The simple fact is, if you don’t use the right technology for your virtual events, you’re going to be left behind. Consider tools like Zoom, WebinarJam or even Facebook Live. These can help you manage everything from ticket sales to audience engagement. 

2) Micro-Donations Gain Popularity

Why It Matters:

Major gifts and corporate sponsorships are still crucial for fundraising. That said, there is a growing trend in giving: people giving smaller amounts more frequently. These are called “micro donations.” Utilize these correctly (look to charity: water for inspiration), and you can both increase donor retention and expand your base of long-term supporters.

What You Can Do:

• Recurring Giving Programs: Make it easy to sign up for periodic donations on your website. Donors will agree to monthly or quarterly donation options if you give them the chance. You can incentivize this by showing their overall impact. For example, if somebody signs up to give $10 dollars a month, make sure they know what their donation is going towards!
• Mobile Payment Options: Many decisions to make a “micro donation” come from people that are on a mobile device. Because of that, it’s important to enable payment apps. A lot of people, for example, will donate with PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Anything you can do to reduce friction during the donation process will pay off for your nonprofit.

3) Data-Driven Personalization

Why It Matters:

Segmentation and personalized communication have always been essential in nonprofit marketing. But going forward, these will be even more important. In fact, good segmentation is one of the most crucial nonprofit fundraising trends to prepare for. The fact is, donors now expect the same amount of tailored outreach from nonprofits as they get from commercial brands. It pays to keep this in mind. 

What You Can Do:

• Use The Right Tools: Even though we have written before about how important data is, tracking it can feel overwhelming. That’s why you need to use the right tools. Platforms like Salesforce and Bloomerang can help. And once you’re up and running with these, personalization becomes so much easier.
• Behavioral Triggers: The easiest way to ensure each donor receives personalized communication is through behavioral triggers. This happens through automations that most platforms will let you set up. Here are some of the most important ones: first time donation, cumulative donations reaching a certain amount, and volunteering at an event. Want more information on how to set these up? Check out this ultimate guide.

4) Storytelling Through Multimedia

Why It Matters:

Quality storytelling in nonprofit marketing is another fundraising trend to keep an eye on. As for what this means in 2025? As attention spans shorten, multimedia- especially video – can quickly convey the importance of your mission (check out Habitats for Humanity). This makes your nonprofit’s story more relatable, and something that people care to listen to. The result? More successful fundraisers. 

What You Can Do:

• Interactive Storytelling: Some of the best stories are interactive. Consider how you can give your followers the chance to be an active part of your story. This can be anything from clickable infographics to virtual tours. This is a more hands-on way to communicate with your followers – and creates a story that turns them into donors. 
• Short-Form Video Content: The fact is, more and more people are consuming short-form video content. If you want to take your storytelling to the next level, it’s a fundraising trend you shouldn’t ignore. To take advantage of this, platforms like TikTok and Instagram (especially reels) are your best bet. Short and emotionally charged videos show people the human side of your story – and all in 60 seconds or less!

5) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Partnerships

Why It Matters:

Nonprofits are increasingly focused on being the best version of themselves. And for good reason: more and more companies want to partner with nonprofits that are aligned with their values. This is one of the most important nonprofit fundraising trends to stay on top of. If you want to drive more donations, it’s not enough to be good…you also need to show it.

What You Can Do:

• Identifying Corporate Partners: Seek out companies that have missions or values that are similar to your own. After that, try to engage with them. This can be through LinkedIn, industry events, or personal networks. Regardless of where you communicate with them, these are collaborations that can bring in a ton of donations.
• Joint Campaigns With Matching Gifts: If you want to encourage donor participation, matching gifts is a great way to do it. Studies have repeatedly shown that this drives substantially more donations. The big piece here, of course, is finding a company willing to participate. Be sure to look up best practices if you’re up for it.

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