Introduction

KEY INSIGHTS & BIG PICTURE CONTEXT

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A Data-Driven Guide to Nonprofit Fundraising in 2025

As organizations reflect on the challenges and successes of the past year, they are entering 2025 with a renewed sense of optimism. This 2025 report provides a window into the fundraising practices of nearly 650 organizations from 34 countries and across 46 US states, based on data collected via an online survey commissioned by CCS Fundraising between October 22 and November 27, 2024. While respondents self-identified and therefore may not accurately match the overall nonprofit sector, this sample provides a window into a variety of nonprofit sectors, sizes, and geographic locations.

CCS extends our gratitude to Elaine Tomlinson for her instrumental contributions in the execution and development of this report.

Explore Data for Your Sector

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Executive Summary

Nearly two-thirds (62%) of organizations saw revenue growth in 2024, indicating sustained optimism for 2025.

Over half (53%) of organizations reported growth in donor acquisition, although fewer are acquiring new donors consistently
year-over-year.

54% of surveyed organizations expect growth in major and mid-level gifts
in 2025.

Nearly one-third (31%) of organizations leveraging AI report improved donor engagement and targeted fundraising.

Staff hiring has seen moderate year-over-year declines of 10%, citing budget limitations and qualification challenges.

7 out of 10 organizations that expanded their fundraising teams by 10% or more saw
financial gains.

61% of organizations see DEIB as aligned with their values, but 47% faced challenges engaging diverse donor groups.

94% of organizations are familiar with Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) but few are actively targeting them.

More than half (57%) of all organizations are prioritizing expanding revenue streams to stay future-ready.

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^{WHO TOOK THE 2025 CCS FUNDRAISING PHILANTHROPY PULSE SURVEY?}

Fundraising & Organization Heads Comprised 71% of Respondents, Reflecting Sector-Wide Perspectives Across the Globe

This year’s report reflects a truly global perspective, with 165 organizations outside the US contributing insights. For the first time, this expanded participation highlights global differences in the challenges, trends, and opportunities shaping philanthropy. Fundraising and nonprofit leaders, representing 71% of respondents, have made this 2025 edition report a uniquely comprehensive resource for professionals worldwide.

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^{WHO TOOK THE 2025 CCS FUNDRAISING PHILANTHROPY PULSE SURVEY?}

Philanthropy Remains Resilient and Optimistic, as Nearly Two-Thirds of Organizations Saw Revenue Growth in 2024

Sixty-two percent (62%) of organizations reported revenue growth in 2024 compared to the prior fiscal year, with 30% achieving increases of 10% or more.

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^{GLOBAL INSIGHT | ARE ORGANIZATIONS CAMPAIGNING?}

More Than Half of Organizations Are Driving Campaign Efforts

International organizations are 16% more likely to be engaged in a capital campaign than US-based organizations.

Whether you are wondering about starting a campaign, looking to incorporate innovations from political campaigns, grappling with when to make your campaign public, or hoping to effectively engage your board, CCS offers helpful online resources to meet you where you are and support your fundraising journey.

56%

of organizations are engaged in or planning for a campaign

53%

69%

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^{CCS FUNDRAISING KEY INSIGHT}

Nearly ¾ of Organizations That Saw Growth in New Donors Also Achieved Revenue Growth in 2024

Over half of organizations (53%) reported increasing their new donor base last year. 72% of those organizations that increased their number of new donors also experienced a correlating increase in revenue—14% achieved revenue growth of 20% or more—compared to just 56% of organizations with stable donor numbers.