Fundraising is always changing, and as a charity, it’s important to stay ahead. While you don’t need to follow every new idea, trying out what works can help you raise more money. Here are 8 big fundraising trends for 2025 that could help charities in the UK.
1. Focus on Regular Donations
Individual giving has been tricky over recent years, with donations dropping when you factor in rising costs. But experts think donations from individuals will grow by about 3.4% in 2025.
This makes it a great time to push recurring giving – getting people to give monthly or yearly instead of just once. Regular donors also stick around longer. Charities with strong regular giving programmes see much better results. Make it easy for people to set up monthly donations, and you’ll likely see the difference.
2. Using Data To Make Better Choices
Data sounds fancy, but it just means keeping track of what’s working and what’s not. Knowing who your donors are, how they interact with you, and where your money is coming from helps you make better plans.
Simple tools, like online surveys, can collect feedback from donors. And fundraising software with built-in tracking can help you see which campaigns are doing well. Use this information to make smarter decisions and improve your fundraising over time.
3. Getting Creative with Digital Tools
More charities are relying on digital tools to connect with supporters. Blogs, emails, and social media are now essential. But in 2025, using advanced tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI) will become more common. AI can help write newsletters, create social media posts, and even design event posters.
Tools like email scheduling and platforms for planning social media make communication easier too. But don’t forget the human touch. People still value authentic and heartfelt messages.
4. Planning for Future Gifts
An enormous wealth transfer is happening as older generations pass their estates to their families and charities. Trillions of pounds are being passed on. Some of this will go to causes like yours, but only if you build strong relationships with donors now.
You can also plan for gifts from younger donors who are inheriting money. They might prefer non-traditional donations, like stocks or even cryptocurrency. Think long-term and start building planned giving programmes.
5. Partnering with Companies
Corporate donations might slow a bit in 2025, but there’s still growth predicted. Big companies want to show they care about the community through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
This could mean anything from sponsorships to workplace giving schemes. Plus, many businesses have “match donations” programmes, where they double donations made by their employees. Make sure to work with companies that align with your charity’s goals.
6. Crowdfunding and Peer-to-Peer Campaigns
Crowdfunding is when lots of people come together to support a specific cause, and it’s growing in popularity. Think of platforms where people can donate directly for a new project, like building a community centre or funding a youth club.
Peer-to-peer fundraising takes this a step further. It encourages supporters to set up their own donation pages for your charity, like running a marathon or hosting an event. This is a great way to connect with a wider audience.
7. Connecting with Younger Donors
Millennials and Gen Z (people in their 20s and 30s) are getting more involved in making donations. They care strongly about issues and are likely to support projects they believe in.
To appeal to them, meet them where they are—online. Social media campaigns, fun challenges, and clear transparency about how money is spent all go a long way with this group.
8. Running Hybrid Events
Live events are coming back, but virtual events remain important. Hybrid events, which combine both, will become even bigger in 2025. For example, you might hold a charity walk in person in a park while others join virtually from their own neighbourhoods.
This makes fundraising events more inclusive. It allows people from different areas, or those who can’t attend in person, to still take part and contribute.
Final Thoughts
These trends show that fundraising is always moving with the times. Whether it’s creating better digital tools or connecting with younger donors, there’s something here for every charity.
Try out the ideas that fit your goals. And remember, whatever happens in 2025, it’s all about adapting to what works best for you. Keep connecting with donors, building relationships, and raising funds to make a bigger impact in the world.
