“The only constant in fundraising? Change.”
Every year, donor behavior shifts, technology evolves, and new fundraising tactics emerge. The nonprofits that adapt early are the ones that win big.
So, what’s on the horizon for 2025?
Expect to see AI-driven automation, ultra-personalized donor journeys, and creative funding models that go beyond traditional grants and donations. If you’re still using the same strategies from 2020, it’s time for an upgrade.
Here are the 10 key fundraising trends shaping nonprofit funding in 2025 — and how your organization can get ahead of them.
1. AI-Powered Donor Engagement (Automation Without Losing the “Human Touch”)
AI isn’t just hype anymore — it’s a daily reality for nonprofits. In 2025, more organizations will use AI to identify donors, personalize messages, and predict giving behavior. But here’s the twist: The challenge now is to keep the “human touch” alive in AI-powered fundraising.
What’s changing in 2025:
- Smart donor segmentation: AI tools analyze donor behavior, like past gifts and website visits, to predict who’s most likely to give (and when).
- Personalized outreach at scale: AI tools send hyper-personalized donor messages automatically.
- Re-engagement campaigns: AI triggers automatic follow-up emails and texts to lapsed donors at the perfect moment.
2. The Rise of Micro-Giving (Small Gifts, Big Impact)
Not every donor can give $500, but plenty of people can give $5. In 2025, we’ll see more nonprofits embracing micro-giving strategies where thousands of small donations fund major initiatives.
What’s driving this trend?
- Younger donors (like Gen Z) prefer small, recurring gifts rather than big one-time donations.
- Payment apps (like Venmo and PayPal) make small gifts easy, especially when it only takes one tap.
How to capitalize on this trend:
- Launch “$5 Friday” campaigns where donors give $5 every Friday.
- Use “spare change” donation platforms that round up purchases and donate the difference.
- Offer a simple, low-stakes entry point to your monthly giving program.
What to do next: Run a 30-day micro-giving challenge where you ask supporters to give $5/day for a month.
3. More Companies Offering Employee Matching Gifts For Nonprofits
Corporate giving is booming in 2025, but here’s where it gets interesting — more companies are offering employee matching gift programs as part of their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives.
What’s changing in 2025:
- Companies are using matching gifts as a perk to attract and retain employees.
- Employees can now submit matching gift requests directly from donation pages (no more paper forms).
How to capitalize on this trend:
- Add a “Does your employer match donations?” call-to-action on your donation page.
- Use matching gift platforms like Double the Donation to make the process easier.
- Highlight matching gifts in your year-end appeal emails.
What to do next: Add a “matching gift” button to your donation page and remind donors about it in your thank-you emails.
4. Subscription-Style Giving (Monthly Giving Programs Get a Makeover)
If Netflix can charge $12/month, so can you. The idea of subscription-style giving has been around for years, but in 2025, it’s getting a glow-up. More nonprofits are branding their monthly giving programs like “exclusive clubs” or “insider memberships.”
What’s changing in 2025:
- Monthly giving programs are being branded like subscription services (think “The Compassion Club” or “Change Makers Circle”).
- Donors want more perks for monthly giving, like behind-the-scenes updates or exclusive content.
How to capitalize on this trend:
- Rebrand your monthly giving program with a catchy name and exclusive benefits.
- Offer special perks for members, like sneak peeks, shoutouts, or “insider-only” updates.
What to do next: Rebrand your monthly giving program with a creative name and offer a perk (like exclusive impact updates).
5. Social Media Giving Gets a Boost (Thanks, TikTok & Instagram!)
In 2025, social media isn’t just for awareness — it’s for direct fundraising. Donation stickers, livestream fundraising, and viral nonprofit TikTok trends are driving spontaneous giving moments in real-time.
What’s changing in 2025:
- Nonprofits can now run donation campaigns directly through TikTok and Instagram.
- Viral “giving challenges” are becoming just as big as TikTok dance trends.
How to capitalize on this trend:
- Launch a TikTok Challenge tied to your campaign (like “5 Push-ups for $5”).
- Use Instagram donation stickers in Stories and Reels.
- Use Kweet to create compelling, data-driven content that increases engagement and visibility for your campaigns.
What to do next: Post a TikTok challenge, and link your donation page in your bio.
6. Fundraising Gamification (Turn Donations Into a Game)
Everyone loves a good challenge, and in 2025, nonprofits are using gamification tactics to boost engagement. From leaderboards to donation streaks, gamified experiences get people hooked.
How to capitalize on this trend:
- Use platforms like Classy or DonorDrive, which offer gamification tools.
- Offer “streak perks” for donors who give 3 months in a row.
What to do next: Create a peer-to-peer leaderboard and reward the top 3 fundraisers with prizes or shoutouts.
7. AI-Driven Predictive Donor Analytics (Know Who Will Give — Before They Do)
Predictive fundraising is all about using data to identify donor behavior trends and spot which donors are most likely to give.
How to capitalize on this trend:
- Use donor analytics tools to create targeted email campaigns for “high-potential” donors.
- Segment donors based on their past giving behavior, then send personalized appeals.
What to do next: Create a segment of “high-potential” donors and send them a VIP invitation to a private event or an online session.
8. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) Continue to Explode
There’s now $250 billion in donor-advised funds waiting to be distributed. In 2025, nonprofits are focusing on unlocking these funds.
How to capitalize on this trend:
- Add “DAF Giving” instructions to your donation page.
- Build relationships with DAF advisors and financial planners.
What to do next: Add instructions on your donation page about how to give via a DAF.
9. Corporate Volunteering Evolves (Skills-Based Volunteering Takes Over)
Companies are letting employees offer skills-based volunteering. Rather than cleaning up parks, employees can now help nonprofits with tech support, content creation, and design.
What to do next: Build a “skills-based volunteering” program for employees to offer design, marketing, or tech support.
10. The Death of the “One-Time Ask” (Ongoing Campaigns Win)
Instead of “one-off campaigns,” nonprofits are running year-round campaigns. Why? Consistency = better cash flow.
What to do next: Launch an “Always-On” fundraising campaign and collect donations year-round.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait — Start Now
These trends aren’t predictions — they’re already happening. Choose 2-3 trends to act on this month. Get ahead of the curve, and soon, you’ll be leading the pack.
