7 Emerging Trends for 2025: Is Your Nonprofit Prepared?

As we reflect on the past year, we naturally wonder about the trends 2025 will bring nonprofits. While it is no surprise that trends are leaning towards AI and tech tools, you may be surprised to see how nonprofits might use AI. For example, AI can help a team build new and creative ways to connect donors and ensure they feel appreciated. In addition, to help build a strong organizational culture for their team and potential donors, many nonprofits are sharing transparent data with donors. Providing data builds trust and creates urgency among supporters. In effect, increasing volunteer involvement and donations. It’s time to evaluate if your daily efforts are aligned with your cause. Read on to learn how locating grants on GrantWatch can help you prepare for the nonprofit trends expected for 2025.

Seven Nonprofit Trends Expected for 2025

1. Increased Use of AI Tools

We are confident that the increased use of AI will be among the leading nonprofit trends for 2025. In truth, most of us are already using AI on a daily basis. It is becoming easier and easier for anyone to create images, conduct research, write professional emails, create presentations and more. However, AI is still relatively new. Because of this, experts agree that we have a long way to go before AI is 100% reliable. It is recommended to research any AI tool before relying on its accuracy.

Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for human intelligence; it is a tool to amplify human creativity and ingenuity.

Fei-Fei Li’s Quest to Make AI Better for Humanity

2. Social Causes Making Headlines

Issues like social justice, inclusion, and women’s health have been topics of interest in 2024. Because of this, we expect 2025 to provide a platform for social funding on behalf of causes like equality, inclusion, mental health, and other support for underrepresented groups to use social media to increase awareness for their cause. Social fundraising is when a nonprofit showcases a social cause it is missioned to address. Furthermore, our environment is making headlines daily due to climate disasters impacting local and global economies. Because of this, expect global issues like conservation of biodiversity, waste management and recycling initiatives to be competing for attention in everyone’s social feeds.

3. Economic Restructure: Increase in Consumer Confidence

Researchers and experts agree that we are out of the woods and over-production and panic created from the pandemic. However, for some it has opened our eyes as to where we should put our efforts. To illustrate, now may be the time to evaluate your organizational culture. For example, you can apply for grants to fund equality training for your team. As our global economy regroups it is the perfect time to restructure your own organization. In 2025 we will see a trend in business and nonprofit partnerships. Create long lasting relationships with your team and dedicated supporters. Most experts agree that there will be a modest global economic growth. Expect to see a trend in strong investments in technology, renewable energy, and healthcare partnerships.

4. Bipartisan Support for Social Causes

To support this economic restructure, we will also see bipartisan support from government officials. To illustrate, the Food Donation Improvement Act (FDIA) was signed into law, specifically, to improve food insecurity and reduce food waste. By expanding liability protection for food donors (many of them businesses) vital In-Kind Support has been provided to critical programs to improve the quality of live to local citizens since January 5, 2023.

The fabric of society is strongest when woven together with the threads of mutual respect, cooperation, and shared vision. No person alone can solve the vast challenges we face, but united, we become an unstoppable force, capable of rewriting the story of humanity into one defined by hope, fairness, and opportunity for all.

Author Unknown

5. Resurgence of Donor-Advised Funds

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are not new. However, plan to see an increase of DAF in nonprofit management trends for 2025. The research is clear. Above all, donors want to see the real-world impact created with each donation to a cause. New technology and tools make donor-advised funds management easier than ever to manage. New nonprofits are discovering this tried-and-true nonprofit practice as a real and tangible benefit for their organizations.

6. Data-Driven Management

Just like in the business sector, among nonprofit trends expected for 2025 is the increase of utilizing data. Tools like Google Analytics and CRMs provide valuable insight by tracking trends to support engagement. Because of this, organizations can streamline their strategies and efforts. For example, A/B testing collects valuable data. Organizations with A/B testing data can adjust campaigns to maximize engagement. In truth, tracking metrics like donor retention, return per acquisition, and volunteer engagement helps teams increases productivity, optimize their marketing budget and more. However, to be clear, you must ensure the data you track supports your mission.

7. Donor-Centric Practices

We hear it all the time. Donors want to feel needed. By simply collecting and sharing real-time data nonprofits can effectively build transparency by sharing real-world impact data with past donors to builds trust and creates urgency. Many nonprofit organizations implement donor-centric management into their organizations daily management routine to increase engagement to maximize donations. After all, your goals is to make it easy for supporters to donate. Because of this, we will also see an increase in online donation platforms being added to nonprofit websites.

Apply For Grants or Hire a Grant Writer

Nonprofits should be regularly applying for grants. However, before you do, research what types of grants you are eligible for. Then, visit GrantWatch.com and use the SMART Grant Search to locate verified grants. Grant-seekers can then add grants of interest to their Grants Calendar to ensure deadlines are not missed. Learn more grant-seeking tips and nonprofit trends for 2025 from knowledgeable guests by visiting GrantTalk; a podcast hosted by GrantWatch CEO, Libby Hikind. For more help, you might hire a grant writer as an extension of your team, visit GrantWriterTeam to post a classified ad. Below are examples of grants to help you prepare your nonprofit for the trends of 2025.

Grants for 2025 Trends

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Investigators to Develop Research Educational Projects

Grants of $75,000 to USA, Canada, and international researchers affiliated with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to plan large-scale studies on developing equitable educational systems. Applicants must submit an Intent to Apply before submitting a full application. The purpose of funding is to bring together a diverse team of researchers to collaborate in creating a fully fleshed-out research plan on a particular topic by the end of the grant period.

Funding Grants for USA Midwestern Nonprofits to Promote Education for Women

Grants to USA nonprofit agencies and associations and IHEs in midwestern states for programs and projects that provide learning opportunities and experiences for women. Applicants must be located in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, or Wisconsin.

Grant Support to Prevent and Reduce the Risk of Natural Disaster

Grants for projects to prevent and reduce the risk of natural disasters. Specifically, to assist at-risk local communities and Indian Tribes with planning for and mitigating against the risk created by wildfire. Applicants in the Western states and territories are eligible to apply: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Territory of American Samoa, Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Territory of Guam, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Grants to Childcare and After-School Centers to Increase the Availability of Fresh Produce for Children

Grants of up to $1,500 to Vermont childcare centers and after-school programs and centers to increase the amount of fresh produce available to children. Specifically, to subsidize the cost of community-supported agriculture to fund seeds, equipment, soil amendments, labor, and other necessary inputs for the growing season. 

Grants to USA Organizations to Promote Equal Access to Experiential Learning

Grants of up to $50,000 to USA nonprofit organizations, institutions, and schools to promote equal access to experiential learning in K-12 schools. Funding is available for organizations at various levels of capacity. Eligible applicants provide services or collaborate with schools.

Grants for Arts and Culture, Health and Welfare, Education, and Athletics Program in British Columbia

Grants to British Columbia educational or charitable organizations and institutions for programs related to health and welfare, educational resources, culture and creative arts, and amateur athletics. Funding is intended for projects that take place in the Province of British Columbia.

Grants to Agencies and Tribes to Preserve Fish Populations

Grants to Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and California state agencies and tribes for projects to address the preservation of fish populations. Funding is intended to protect, conserve, and restore populations of salmon and steelhead.

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