What’s Changing in Philanthropy: 6 Trends You Need to Know

Not long ago, I was helping a client prepare for a conversation with a nonprofit she deeply cared about. She wanted to give, but she also wanted something more—something beyond the usual. “I want this to feel like a partnership,” she told me. That phrase stuck with me.

Over time, I’ve noticed that more and more donors—especially those who give meaningfully—are no longer content with transactional giving. They want alignment, transparency, flexibility, and real impact. And as I’ve continued volunteering my time with nonprofits, I’ve seen that organizations that adapt to these new expectations are the ones that thrive.

If you're involved in fundraising, here are six major trends I believe are reshaping the way people give—and how we, as advisors and partners, need to respond.

1. From Charity to Change

Today’s donors want to fund solutions, not just services. They’re asking, “How is my giving helping solve a problem at its root?”

This means organizations must go beyond describing what they do. They need to tell a bigger story: What kind of world are we building together?

Takeaway: Speak to systemic change. Show how your work fits into a broader movement.

2. Trust-Based Philanthropy

A growing number of funders are embracing unrestricted giving and multi-year commitments. They’re focusing less on micromanaging and more on trusting the organizations they support.

This shift is significant. It reduces the administrative burden on nonprofits and gives them space to do what they do best—create impact.

Takeaway: Be transparent, but don’t be afraid to ask for trust and flexibility. Good funders understand that lasting impact takes time.

3. Big Bets, Not Small Grants

Some major funders are consolidating their giving into fewer, larger, high-impact gifts. These “big bets” can transform an organization’s trajectory—but they come with expectations: scale, strategy, and clear measurement.

I’ve seen small nonprofits struggle when they try to grow too fast to meet the scale of the gift. The best advice? Don’t overpromise—stay grounded.

Takeaway: If you go after a big bet, have a clear plan. Or consider forming coalitions to share the opportunity—and the risk.

4. DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Donors are increasingly prioritizing equity—not just in the outcomes of their giving, but in how decisions are made and who is represented in leadership.

I once worked with a foundation that reevaluated its entire grantmaking process through a DEI lens. They didn’t just shift funding—they restructured their board and advisory panels. That commitment earned them trust and new partnerships they wouldn’t have accessed otherwise.

Takeaway: Authenticity matters. Don’t just include diverse voices—center them.

5. Technology and AI Are Changing the Game

From AI-powered donor databases to automated personalized emails and social media campaigns, technology is transforming how nonprofits communicate and raise money.

But while these tools can scale outreach, they can’t replace authentic connection. The human side—stories, relationships, shared values—still drives giving.

Takeaway: Use tech to amplify your message, not replace your voice.

6. Collaborative Funding

Donors are joining forces. Think pooled funds, giving circles, shared due diligence. These models allow donors to de-risk bold bets and scale impact across sectors.

As a volunteer, I once helped a nonprofit join a regional funder collaborative. That one move unlocked multi-year support, peer learning, and visibility they never could’ve achieved alone.

Takeaway: If you’re a nonprofit, look for donor collaboratives aligned with your mission. If you’re a funder, consider how you can amplify others’ giving.

The world of giving is evolving—quickly. If you’re raising money, you’re not just asking for support; you’re inviting people into a shared mission. Understanding these trends can help you make that invitation more relevant, more timely, and more powerful.

Next up: “Educating, Not Asking: How Relationships Are Really Built”