A new year is here, and evolving technologies, donor expectations, and strategies are reshaping how organizations connect with supporters. To stay ahead, leaders need to embrace and prepare for what is next.
Here are five key trends shaping how nonprofits connect with supporters and maximize impact in 2025.
1. Influencer Marketing Brings New Opportunities for Fundraising
By partnering with trusted influencers, organizations have the opportunity to expand awareness and fundraising efforts to brand-new audiences. When influencers genuinely support a cause, their enthusiasm becomes contagious and inspires their followers to take action.
Influencer marketing for fundraising is not just about partnering with big celebrities or public figures. Organizations should consider collaborating with micro-influencers who may have smaller but highly engaged audiences in their specific area of expertise. For example, a nonprofit partnering with a local influencer can drive awareness within the community while boosting donations.
2. AI for Nonprofit Donor Engagement
AI is changing the way nonprofits connect with donors, making communication more efficient and personalized. With the ability to tailor messages to individual needs, preferences, and engagement history, AI tools allow organizations to deliver quality donor relations while also minimizing administrative expenses.
AI chatbots take this personalization further by providing 24/7 support. They can answer frequently asked questions, guide visitors to donation pages, and handle routine inquiries—freeing up donor support staff for more critical tasks. Additionally, voice AI enhances multi-channel donor cultivation and reactivation by enabling personalized, real-time communication through phone calls, texts, ringless voicemails, and emails, making outreach more efficient and impactful.
In 2025 and beyond, AI will empower ministries and nonprofits to foster deeper connections with supporters.
3. One-Click Payment Solutions Streamline Giving
Integrating frictionless donation payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Venmo is becoming a priority for nonprofits and online fundraising platforms. Nonprofits that implement these streamlined methods see an average 20% increase in completed donations compared to those requiring lengthy forms, according to M+R Benchmarks 2024.
In a digital world defined by immediacy, even minor inconveniences can lead to donor drop-off. Simplifying the donation process—especially for mobile users—is one of the easiest ways to increase fundraising success.
4. The Rise of First-Party Data
Data privacy regulations and the decline of third-party data are forcing organizations to rethink how they collect and utilize data from their own sources, such as websites and donor records. First-party data can be gathered directly through channels like email acquisition and donation forms or indirectly through digital identification tools and first-party cookies.
According to HubSpot Nonprofit Marketing Trends 2024, 63% of marketers rely on first-party data as their primary targeting source.
Organizations can leverage first-party data, such as behaviors, preferences, and giving histories, to create more personalized fundraising and marketing strategies. This data-driven approach enables nonprofits to optimize fundraising strategies and increase donor engagement, leading to higher conversion rates.
5. Greater Emphasis on Data-Driven Personalization
Personalization continues to grow as an essential tool for donor development. Nonprofits that take the time to connect with donors on a personal level by considering their interests, past contributions, and demographics see better results. It is no surprise that 85% of donors say personalized outreach “significantly influences” their decision to give, up from 80% just two years ago (Blackbaud Institute Charitable Giving Report 2024).
Using data effectively allows nonprofits to create messages that truly resonate with donors. Whether it is through a heartfelt email, a personalized giving matrix, or a targeted ad, reaching donors in a way that feels personal builds trust and deepens their connection to your mission. The goal is not just to understand donors but to make them feel understood.
The Future of Fundraising
Nonprofits that explore these trends will be better equipped to connect with donors in meaningful ways and drive stronger support. The future of fundraising is not just about raising more money—it is about fostering deeper relationships, building trust, and making every interaction count.
Future-Proof Your Fundraising with Infinity Concepts!
Does your organization need help developing a future-focused fundraising strategy utilizing the latest digital solutions? Infinity Concepts would love to help you maximize your impact! CLICK HERE or call us today at 724-733-1200.
- Future Proof: Five Trends Shaping the Future of Fundraising in 2025 - February 7, 2025
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- Understanding the Costs of Donor Acquisition - September 6, 2024
