Latest Blackbaud Institute Report Shows Fundraisers Are Optimistic About the Future

Report shares insights on how nonprofits can optimize revenue streams and stay resilient

Recent years have tested fundraisers, but most professionals say their fundraising is steady or increasing. Data from the Blackbaud Institute’s latest report, The Resilient Nonprofit, shows that fundraisers are optimistic about the future, with many development professionals expecting to increase their revenue in the next year.  

“Fundraisers have demonstrated creativity and resilience to adapt to a heightened pace of change across the fundraising landscape as new post-pandemic norms emerge,” said Lori Poer, director of the Blackbaud Institute. “The latest Blackbaud Institute report explores how nonprofits have implemented a variety of strategies, from securing major gifts to diversifying revenue sources; fostering effective teamwork; and leveraging innovative technologies. This research empowers nonprofits to zero in on the strategies that best serve their mission, and it shows a promising trend for fundraising over the coming years.”

Partnering with the market research firm Edge Research, Blackbaud commissioned an online survey of 215 nonprofit professionals, including users of Blackbaud software as well as non-Blackbaud customers. Participants were asked to report on the last fiscal year when the study was underway.

Key Findings:  

• Fundraising professionals are optimistic about the future 
  • Most professionals say their fundraising is steady or increasing.
  • Two thirds of study participants say they met (44%) or exceeded (31%) their revenue goals for the year.
  • More than half (53%) of participants expect their organization’s income to increase in the fiscal year to come. 

• Organizations saw strongest returns from midlevel and new donors
  • 80% of participants said income from midlevel donors either increased or held steady.
  • A strong majority (74%) reported that new donor acquisition increased or stayed the same. 

• Major giving benefits from early tech adoption
  • 60% of early tech adopters reported higher increased success with major donors, compared to 35% overall.
  • 58% of early adopters reported increases in DAF giving, compared with 43 percent overall. 

• Event-based fundraising continues to be successful
  • 56% of development professionals experienced income growth during giving days and awareness months.
  • 40% of professionals surveyed say income from these streams increased in the past year and 44% say they expect increases in the year to come.

The complete report on fundraising revenue streams and outcomes is available here, offering actionable insights and key strategies to empower nonprofits to build long-term resilience against future challenges. All Blackbaud Institute resources are provided for free, as part of Blackbaud’s commitment to accelerating social impact.

About Blackbaud Institute
The Blackbaud Institute develops leading-edge research and convenes expert voices to equip the social impact community with knowledge, insight, and confidence. The Blackbaud Institute draws from Blackbaud’s data set, the most comprehensive in the social impact community. In addition, the Institute facilitates public research studies to drive original qualitative and quantitative insight. Our research agenda is grounded in a commitment to topics that social impact organizations can apply immediately to better understand, benchmark, and improve their essential business operations. We are guided by our commitment to the social impact sector to provide timely, transparent, and well-rounded research that is free to access. From how organizations run to how donors give, we’re 100% focused on research and resources for this sector.