Six Takeaways from Fiscal Year End 2025 and How to Prepare for 2026

Year-end tends to be the busiest time for fundraisers. Many donors habitually give between GivingTuesday and December 31, so nonprofits have recognized this pattern and have strategically adjusted their fundraising cadence during that period. Your nonprofit may already be preparing for year-end 2026. Based on insights shared in our recent Quick Byte webinar, here are six takeaways to guide your planning and boost your fundraising in the year ahead.

1. Revenue Is Up, but Donor Numbers Are Down

Sector-wide data shows that revenue is holding steady, or even rising slightly after accounting for inflation. However, the number of donors continues to shrink, with those who remain giving larger gifts. Therefore, maximizing your impact with a smaller pool and keeping your most valuable supporters engaged are essential.

2. GivingTuesday Remains a Major Opportunity

GivingTuesday in 2025 generated impressive results. Reliable donors are used to making gifts on this day, now in its 13th year, with giving peaking during the evening. If you haven’t already implemented this as part of your plan, consider sending evening emails or making strategic, well-timed asks to stand out. Don’t overlook the power of clear, urgent messaging when competition is especially fierce.

3. Multichannel Efforts Drive Results

Your donors receive messages everywhere — email, mail, social media, SMS, podcasts, and elsewhere. Results show that coordinated, multichannel approaches not only boost gifts, but they also help with retention. Review your communication schedule across every channel, align your messaging and creative, and don’t treat channels or audiences in isolation.

4. Messaging Matters Most at Year-End

Keep your year-end messaging simple and urgent. Year-end is not the time for complex storytelling or big tests. Tap into what works, emphasize progress, and highlight upcoming needs. Use language that feels personal to distinct audiences when possible, but avoid unnecessary customizations that don’t add value. And if you have a proven tactic or creative that performed well earlier in the year, bring it back for year-end.

5. Stewardship Can Increase Giving

Amid all the appeals, don’t forget to engage and thank your donors. Something as simple as a holiday card, a fun download, or an outbound voicemail expressing gratitude can spark additional gifts. Stewardship communications that include a soft ask or a Donate button may drive significant revenue and remind supporters how much they matter.

6. Prepare for Crowded Spaces and New Realities

The marketplace will be crowded, especially in election years. Plan ahead for blackout dates, and if you need to version your messaging after the election, do so thoughtfully. Keep an eye on tax changes coming in 2026 and the increasing relevance of donor-advised funds. Continue to ask for donations during an election cycle because data shows that fundraising does not decline then. Make sure your donors know all the ways in which they can support you.

How to Prepare for 2026

Take time to review your donor touchpoints. Look at your annual calendar, and coordinate with colleagues and agency partners to ensure that audiences aren’t underwhelmed or overlooked. Set aside part of your budget to try something new if you can, but prioritize proven methods.

Artificial-intelligence immersion has already affected search, display, and CTV, so prepare your content to ensure that it’s set up for AEO (answer engine optimization). Consider what advertising within ChatGPT could look like.

Most importantly, remember that donors who care about your mission will stick with you, even in tough times. With thoughtful planning and these actionable takeaways — plus staying focused on alignment, stewardship, and urgency — you’ll be well positioned to make 2026 a strong year for your nonprofit and see your campaigns thrive.