Fundraising Trends for 2025: AI, Ethical Storytelling & Burnout Solutions

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin dive into the biggest fundraising trends shaping the nonprofit sector this year. From the rise of Community-Centric Fundraising and AI-driven tools to the ongoing burnout crisis, they break down what’s ahead and how nonprofits can prepare. They explore how ethical storytelling is becoming a must, why fractional fundraising is on the rise, and how organizations can build resilience in an ever-changing landscape. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• The rise of Community-Centric Fundraising  
• AI and automation in fundraising 
• Ethical storytelling & the shift away from exploitation 
• Burnout & the shift to fractional fundraising 
• Creative ways to show gratitude to donors 

Actionable tips: 

➜ Explore AI tools for efficiency: Start small by using AI for board meeting minutes or email drafts.
➜ Shift to community-centric fundraising: Move beyond traditional donor-centric models to prioritize impact.
➜ Audit your storytelling practices: Ensure your messaging centers dignity, autonomy, and ethical representation.
➜ Address burnout before it’s too late: Take proactive steps to support nonprofit teams and explore fractional fundraising models. 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria Rio 
• Connect with Caitlin McBride 
• Further Together Website 

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Coming Next Week: 

Join us next week as we chat with Sheela Mahajan about transforming the way nonprofits think. We’ll explore how to move beyond outdated mindsets, make more strategic decisions, and tailor solutions to your community for greater impact. Don’t miss this game-changing conversation! 🚀 

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