Top 10 Nonprofit Trends to Watch in 2025

A Time for Big Changes

Nonprofits have faced a lot of changes since the pandemic. Many organizations experienced reduced funding as pandemic relief dried up, while others struggled with increased demands for services. Donors now expect more transparency and measurable results, and nonprofits are under pressure to adopt new technologies like artificial intelligence and digital fundraising tools.

Staying on top of these trends is key to helping communities and achieving long-term sustainability. With these shifts, it’s clear that organizations need to adapt fast to remain relevant and impactful. Let’s take a deeper dive into 10 big trends that will shape nonprofits in 2025 and how organizations can adjust to thrive.

1. Donors Want to See Results

Donors today are more informed and selective. They want to know how their money is used and see real outcomes that align with their values. Transparency builds trust and keeps donors engaged.

How Nonprofits Can Respond:

• Share clear reports showing where the money goes, including breakdowns of programs and administrative costs.

• Tell stories about the difference donations make in real lives to create an emotional connection.

• Use newsletters, social media, and donor dashboards to provide regular updates so donors feel included in the journey.

What People Are Saying: "Donors ask more questions now. They want proof their dollars are making an impact. For example, recent surveys show that over 70% of donors prefer charities that provide detailed outcome reports and transparent financial breakdowns." This sentiment highlights the growing demand for accountability, Nonprofit Apps.

2. Fundraising Goes Digital

What’s Happening: Online campaigns, crowdfunding, and mobile giving are becoming the norm. Unlike traditional methods like direct mail or in-person fundraisers, these digital approaches allow nonprofits to reach a global audience quickly and efficiently while providing real-time tracking and engagement metrics. Traditional methods alone no longer cut it, especially for reaching younger audiences.

How to Adapt:

• Use easy-to-navigate donation tools that allow one-click giving.

• Reach people with social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to create engaging, shareable campaigns.

• Try live streaming or games to make donating interactive and fun. Virtual thank-you events can also boost engagement.

What People Are Saying: "We’ve switched to online campaigns and they’re reaching way more people. The engagement is amazing"Positive Equation.

3. Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Why It’s Important: Communities and donors expect nonprofits to not only talk about DEI but also take actionable steps to embed fairness and inclusion in their operations.

Steps to Take:

• Regularly review policies to ensure fairness and inclusivity at all levels.

• Include diverse voices in leadership roles, creating a decision-making process that reflects the community.

• Set measurable DEI goals and track progress over time.

What People Are Saying: "Our team and donors want real action on inclusion, not just words. This has become a priority for everyone"Funraise.

4. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Why It Matters: AI is no longer just a futuristic tool. It can help with tasks like tracking donors, personalizing communication, and identifying patterns that would take humans much longer to spot.

Tips to Start:

• Use AI tools to learn about donor preferences and customize outreach.

• Try AI for creating data-driven fundraising plans that focus on the most promising strategies.

• Use AI insights to make smarter decisions about programs and campaigns.

What People Are Saying: "AI has helped us connect with donors in ways we couldn’t before. It’s like having an extra team member."

5. Nonprofits Joining Forces

What’s New: Economic challenges are leading nonprofits to work together or even merge. Collaboration can multiply impact while reducing operational costs.

Benefits:

• Share resources like office space, technology, and staff expertise.

• Save money by avoiding duplicate efforts, freeing up funds for programs.

• Work as a team to make a bigger impact and reach wider audiences.

What People Are Saying: "Collaborating with other organizations has helped us do more with less. It’s a win-win for everyone."

6. Hybrid Events are Here to Stay

What’s Changing: Events now mix in-person and virtual elements to reach more people. Hybrid events offer accessibility and flexibility that make them a preferred choice for many.

How to Succeed:

• Use tech tools to make events smooth, engaging, and inclusive for all attendees.

• Train staff to handle both in-person and online formats, ensuring a seamless experience.

• Design events to encourage interaction, like Q&A sessions or breakout rooms.

What People Are Saying: "Our hybrid events let us reach supporters all over the world. People love having the option to join from home."

7. Supporting Mental Health

Why It’s Needed: Due to heavy workloads and high demands, nonprofit staff and volunteers feel burned out. Prioritizing mental health is critical to building a strong, motivated team. For example, one nonprofit implemented monthly wellness workshops and flexible work hours, which led to a 25% decrease in staff turnover and improved team satisfaction scores.

How to Help:

• Offer mental health support programs like counselling or wellness days.

• Be flexible with work schedules to accommodate individual needs.

• Check in regularly with staff to ensure they feel valued and supported.

8. Helping Local Communities

Why It’s Growing: Donors and funders are focusing more on local projects with visible results. Grassroots initiatives often resonate more with donors who want to see direct impact.

What to Do:

• Highlight stories of how your work changes lives within the community.

• Partner with local leaders and groups to strengthen ties and trust.

• Focus on smaller, meaningful projects that directly benefit neighborhoods.

What People Are Saying: "Sharing local success stories has brought in more donations than ever. It’s incredible how much people care"CallHub.

9. New Ways to Involve Volunteers

The Challenge: Fewer people are signing up for traditional volunteer roles. Organizations need to adapt to modern expectations.

Solutions:

• Offer small, flexible tasks people can do in their free time or online.

• Create virtual opportunities for volunteers who want to contribute remotely.

• Make it easy for people to get involved, even if they only have an hour to spare.

What People Are Saying: "Our remote volunteering options have attracted helpers from all over. It’s amazing to see the interest grow."

10. Taking Action on Climate

Why It Matters: Donors are paying more attention to environmental issues, pushing nonprofits to prioritize sustainability in their operations and projects.

Steps to Take:

• Use eco-friendly practices in daily operations, like reducing waste and energy use.

• Be open about your environmental efforts to inspire confidence and support.

• Partner with green organizations to amplify your impact.

What People Are Saying: "Focusing on sustainability has strengthened our relationships with donors. It’s become a key part of our mission."

Moving Forward Together

Nonprofits face big opportunities in 2025. By following these trends, organizations can stay strong, effective, and ready to serve their communities. Whether it’s using AI, collaborating with others, or focusing on local impact, there are many ways to grow and help more people.

Your Next Step: Take a close look at your current strategies. See where you can improve and try out these ideas to make a bigger impact. Engage your team in brainstorming sessions to adapt these trends to your unique mission.

Download The Streamlined Nonprofit Toolkit to access actionable templates, checklists, and guides that will help you implement these trends effectively. This toolkit empowers nonprofit leaders to reduce administrative burdens and focus on what truly matters—making an impact.

• Review current fundraising methods and identify areas for improvement.

• Schedule regular team meetings to align on goals and brainstorm new initiatives.

• Invest in training for staff to stay updated on digital tools and trends.

• Develop a detailed action plan to implement one or two new quarterly strategies.

• Monitor progress with measurable benchmarks to ensure continued improvement.

Looking Ahead: Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and innovation. We can build a better future for everyone, one trend at a time. With creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt, the possibilities are endless.

Don’t forget to download your copy of The Streamlined Nonprofit Toolkit and join the other leaders already transforming their organizations with proven strategies and tools.