A recent survey from Fidelity Charitable reveals that 78 percent of donors aged 50 and older plan to prioritize charitable giving in retirement, with many also volunteering their time. Among those surveyed, 56 percent of pre-retirees and 59 percent of retirees donated $1,000 or more in 2023, while a significant portion (27 percent) of volunteering retirees commit over 13 hours a month to causes. Despite a strong interest in philanthropy, only half of retirees discussed charitable giving with financial advisors. This indicates a need for better guidance on tax-smart charitable planning. Awareness of donation methods, such as donating appreciated assets, remains low, highlighting opportunities for education in this area. Click here to read more.

This APRA article offers strategies for researchers and fundraisers to enhance corporate partnerships, especially in the wake of pandemic challenges. The article highlights the growing interest in corporate giving, sponsorships, and volunteerism, noting the untapped potential within local businesses. APRA proposes a 90-Day Lead Generation Challenge to identify new business leads, which can emphasize the importance of leadership support and collaboration between research and fundraising teams, as well as a deeper understanding of the local economic landscape. Click here to read more about the 90-Day Lead Generation Challenge.

As nonprofits face significant challenges in a high-inflation economy, adapting strategies to engage everyday donors is essential for sustaining charitable giving. While U.S. philanthropy has seen growth in current dollars, inflation-adjusted giving has declined, particularly affecting smaller charities reliant on regular donors. To address this, Forbes suggests five ways nonprofits can increase giving in a high-inflation economy: organizations should foster connections among donors, offer flexible multiyear pledges, broaden donor engagement with various programs, understand the wealth dynamics of high-net-worth donors, and create messaging that emphasizes group identity and social connection. Click here to read the full list.

As the presidential election approaches, advancement leaders should be thinking about its potential impact on fundraising. While election years can create a chaotic fundraising environment, they also present opportunities as donors become more engaged. Historic data shows charitable giving often increases during election cycles, but fundraisers have to navigate media fatigue and intense competition for attention. Key strategies that fundraisers can employ include timing campaigns to avoid peak political events, crafting clear and impactful messages, leveraging digital channels for real-time engagement, and enhancing stewardship to maintain donor appreciation. By employing these strategies, nonprofits can effectively engage donors and sustain their fundraising efforts amidst the political noise. Click here to read more.

In their latest fiscal years, four major DAF managers —Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, National Philanthropic Trust, and Vanguard Charitable—collectively distributed over $26.9 billion to charitable organizations. Fidelity Charitable reported $11.8 billion in grants, with recipients including Doctors Without Borders and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, although the average grant size decreased slightly. Schwab Charitable surpassed its previous record with $6.6 billion in distributions, emphasizing local giving and support for religious organizations. The National Philanthropic Trust granted $5.49 billion, while Vanguard Charitable saw a significant 45% increase to over $3 billion, driven by a surge in individual grants. Across all DAFs, human services, religion, and education remained the most supported causes. Click here to read more.