The Philanthropic Signals Nonprofit Leaders Can’t Afford to Miss

Key patterns from the field — and simple steps to focus your fundraising energy.

As year-end giving accelerates, here are the donor patterns we’re seeing across the organizations Coastal Nonprofit Consulting supports:

1. Higher-capacity donors are giving larger gifts.

We’re continuing to see a clear trend: donors with more capacity are increasing their giving, while donors with tighter budgets are scaling back. Not surprising in the current economic landscape, but it does mean nonprofits must lean into relationship-building with those who can meaningfully invest. Be unapologetic and ask your top donors for increased asks based on the real needs and challenges your organization faces.

2. Clear, bold, transparent asks are working.

Across several organizations we support, donors with the means to do more are saying yes—when asked directly and specifically. Challenge matches, expanded operational support, or funding for scaled programming all resonate when the need is clear and tied to a concrete vision.

3. Multi-channel, repeated messaging still wins--not because donors don't care, but because they're busy.

The donor who ignores the first email might only give after they’ve seen the envelope, skimmed the second email, paused at a social post, listened to a voicemail, and finally read the third email. Donors want to give—they just need to be reminded at the right moment.

4. News about federal funding cuts is prompting donors to pay attention.

Media coverage about federal cuts to nonprofit funding is on many donors minds. When your nonprofit’s needs become visible, expect your donors will rise to the occasion to meet it. Make sure your organization is clearly communicating the real funding risks or gaps you’re experiencing.

5. Philanthropic strategy is simpler than it feels.

The most effective fundraising plans focus energy where it will have the greatest return. No one ever has enough time, but you can start by deepening relationships with donors who already support you and have room to grow. And if most of your donors are giving at capacity, shift your attention to expanding your pipeline by growing your annual fund and look to see who leans in.

At the end of the day, effective fundraising isn’t about doing everything —it’s about doing the right things well. Time is your most valuable resource, focus it on where it matters most.

Here's a photo of Courtney and I earlier this week at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce holiday event at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Sometimes we color-coordinate.