Five Philanthropic Trends Nonprofits Must Watch to Stay Ahead
The philanthropic landscape is shifting rapidly. With emerging technologies, changing donor behaviors, and looming policy changes, nonprofits must be nimble and proactive to remain resilient and relevant. According to a report from the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, six key trends are reshaping the future of giving, and some of them may surprise you!
Collective Giving Is on the Rise: Giving circles have engaged over 370,000 donors and raised $3.1 billion since 2017. This democratized model, especially growing among women and communities of color, is reshaping who gives and how.
Mobile and AI-Driven Fundraising Are the New Norm: By the end of 2025, mobile giving will have become the dominant form of donor engagement. Tools like QR codes, text-to-give, and mobile-optimized pages are essential. AI is now a force multiplier, delivering personalized donor experiences through chatbots and smart automations.
Advocacy by Nonprofits Is Increasing: 501(c)(3) lobbying efforts have surged 72% in two decades. Amid ongoing tax reform efforts, nonprofits are advocating to protect and potentially expand charitable giving incentives to sustain critical community support. [Let your local legislators hear from you on what’s important!]
Foundations Are Accelerating Giving: Foundations such as Marguerite Casey and the Gates Foundation are spending down aggressively to address pressing social challenges. This creates bold, time-sensitive funding opportunities for nonprofits that are ready to deliver a quick, tangible impact.
Changing Demographics Are Redefining Donor Profiles: By 2034, Americans 65+ will outnumber children. Meanwhile, Gen Z and millennials are driving a shift toward values-based, tech-enabled giving. Nonprofits must learn to engage these very different donor segments.
These trends underscore a clear call to action: nonprofits must adapt to remain effective and impactful. From digital fundraising to policy advocacy, the organizations that stay ahead of the curve will be the ones that thrive in this new era.
For comprehensive insights and the complete list of 11 trends, please visit: https://johnsoncenter.org/blog/11-trends-in-philanthropy-for-2025/