As 2025 approaches, the nonprofit fundraising landscape is set to evolve in new ways. With shifts in donor expectations, technology advancements, and economic pressures, nonprofit CFOs have a unique opportunity to adapt their strategies to maximize impact. While some trends from recent years remain relevant, this year’s focus expands on leveraging data, engaging donors more authentically, and optimizing technology to build resilience.
In this post, we’ll explore the key trends projected to shape nonprofit fundraising in 2025, based on insights from annual reports like the Sage Intacct Nonprofit Technology Trends Report and the OneCause Fundraising Outlook. Whether your team is evaluating new technology or looking to deepen donor relationships, these trends and strategies are here to help guide the way.
1. Hybrid and Purpose-Driven Events Continue to Draw Donors
The success of hybrid events has been proven over the past few years, but 2025 will require nonprofits to rethink their event formats with more intentionality. With the shift toward values-based giving, donors increasingly support causes that align with their personal beliefs and priorities. Successful fundraising events not only combine in-person and virtual elements but also connect with supporters on a meaningful level.
Strategy for 2025: CFOs should aim for data-driven event planning. Utilize financial management software like Sage Intacct to monitor event performance in real time, from expenses to attendee engagement. This approach can help identify the types of events that generate the most impact and effectively budget for hybrid formats that allow more donors to engage in ways that resonate with them.
2. Combating Donor Fatigue with Impactful Storytelling and Transparency
Donor fatigue continues to challenge nonprofits, especially as donors are approached by multiple causes and organizations. This year, CFOs can counteract fatigue by focusing on transparency and compelling impact stories. As donors become more selective, they want to see clear evidence of how their contributions are making a difference.
Strategy for 2025: Emphasize outcome-based reporting to bridge the gap between donor contributions and mission impact. Donors are increasingly motivated by transparent, data-backed stories that show their dollars at work. By leveraging financial data to craft these stories, CFOs can help build long-term relationships with donors who see their impact on the causes they care about most. Social media and email newsletters can be powerful channels to share these stories and keep engagement high.
3. Data-Driven Decision-Making for Enhanced Agility
Many nonprofit finance teams still struggle to access real-time data, and this gap can lead to missed opportunities. As nonprofits navigate economic uncertainty, the ability to pivot quickly is essential, especially in high-stakes fundraising moments. Data-driven decision-making allows organizations to remain flexible and responsive to donor needs and economic shifts.
Strategy for 2025: Prioritize financial management solutions that automate routine reporting and centralize data. By implementing a tool like Sage Intacct, CFOs can gain real-time insights across programs and donor trends, allowing them to adjust strategies on the fly. Data transparency also enables better coordination across departments, so everyone is working with the same up-to-date information.
4. Donor Acquisition and Retention Strategies Get Personal
Personalization will be key in 2025 as donors increasingly expect communication that speaks directly to their interests and history with the organization. Donor acquisition strategies that focus on personalized outreach and retention strategies that deepen connections with existing supporters will be essential for sustained growth.
Strategy for 2025: Use data analytics to tailor outreach and donor management systems to track and analyze donor behaviors, preferences, and giving patterns. Financial teams can support this by using software that integrates with donor management systems, enabling them to generate personalized, data-driven insights that resonate with each segment of their donor base. By sharing personalized reports and updates, finance leaders can strengthen relationships with both new and loyal donors.
5. Integrating Technology for Streamlined Operations and Stronger Stewardship
Technology plays a more critical role than ever in nonprofit operations, helping finance teams drive efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. In 2025, nonprofits will need to ensure their financial management systems are seamlessly integrated with CRM, donor management, and grant-tracking tools. A connected tech stack is the foundation for improved stewardship, allowing nonprofits to provide detailed financial insights that build trust with donors.
Strategy for 2025: Ensure your nonprofit has a robust, cloud-based financial solution that can support integration with other essential tools. CFOs can demonstrate good stewardship by automating financial reporting, centralizing data, and providing donors with clear, measurable outcomes. This transparency not only enhances trust but can also encourage long-term donor support and build a foundation for sustainable growth.
Final Thoughts
With 2025 bringing both fresh challenges and new opportunities, nonprofit financial leaders have a prime opportunity to guide their organizations toward meaningful growth. By focusing on tech-driven insights, personalized donor engagement, and a commitment to transparency, CFOs can strengthen donor trust, improve operational efficiency, and boost the organization’s impact.
At SullTech, we specialize in helping nonprofits harness the power of modern financial management systems like Sage Intacct to streamline operations and elevate fundraising outcomes. Our team is dedicated to supporting your unique goals, providing expertise in nonprofit financial solutions that allow you to maximize every dollar and deepen your mission’s reach. Connect with us to explore how SullTech can help your organization thrive in 2025 and beyond.