Next week I’m giving a talk called, “The Future of Fundraising: Top Trends Impacting Nonprofit Leaders Today and Tomorrow” at the NAYDO conference (North American YMCA Development Officers). (Let me know if you’ll be there in the post comments below — I’d love to say hello.)
In preparing for the talk, I’ve been thinking a lot about what the future holds for our sector — and specifically for nonprofit leaders and their fundraising.
Without providing too many spoilers, here are a few of my key takeaways.
Methods Change Over Time, But Purpose Remains
Here’s one example of how the method can change, but the purpose remains the same:
In my lifetime, the way we listen to music has changed five times (nearly once per decade).
- When I was a child, we listened to records
- As a teenager, I had tape cassette players (Walkman and boombox)
- When I went to college, I took a tower of CD’s
- Then came the iPod (remember 1000 songs in your pocket?)
- Today, we stream music
The purpose (listening to music) never changed, but the methods did. The same holds true for fundraising.
We will always need to communicate and build relationships with donors. How we do that will change. And you need to be ready to adapt to those changes.
5 Certainties About the Future of Fundraising
Here are five things I know for certain about the future of fundraising based on many years of experience in the sector — through good times and bad.
1. Look back to look ahead.
Historically, donors have been generous during difficult times. They rose to the occasion after September 11th, in the aftermath of the 2008 market crash, and throughout the pandemic. There’s no reason to believe they won’t do the same again.
2. The rich will continue to get richer.
Over the last decade, the top 1% have been getting wealthier, and that’s not likely to change anytime in the near future. They know how to protect their wealth against market fluctuations and can make investments during downturns to become even wealthier. Donors who can give 6, 7, and 8 figure gifts will be able to continue their giving regardless of the economy.
3. Construction costs continue to rise.
Over the last five decades, the cost of construction has risen continuously due to inflation and other factors — not simply due to supply chain issues during the pandemic or due to tariffs today. Holding off on a project because you’re concerned about costs will only hurt you in the long run.
4. It’s a great time to start a capital campaign.
One of the big concerns I hear from nonprofit leaders when they are considering a campaign is that there are too many campaigns happening in their community simultaneously. I am confident that many organizations will put the brakes on their campaigns due to the economy, and the road ahead is clear and wide open for those who proceed.
5. Technology and AI will save you time and increase results.
Need I say more? (I will in my speech next week — hope to see you there!)
An Optimistic Future for Fundraising?
Should you be terrified or optimistic about the future of fundraising? Probably both. The truth is, there’s good news and bad. But I choose to focus on the good and keep going. It won’t help you or anyone else to wallow.
Want to hear the whole talk? I’d love to give this keynote in a city near you. Please share this post with your local conference planners or AFP chapters.
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