When you think of a donor, what image comes to mind? If it’s someone older with deep pockets and a checkbook, it’s time to refresh that picture. Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is quickly making its mark in the philanthropic world. Now, approaching their late 20s, their giving habits may look different than previous generations, their impact is already being felt.

In a world where digital noise is louder than ever, nonprofits are always looking for ways to cut through the clutter and connect with supporters in meaningful, immediate ways. That’s why SMS campaign are one of the most powerful tools in a nonprofit’s fundraising toolkit.

If you work in nonprofit development, you already know how important a heartfelt thank-you can be. But let’s be real, writing donor thank-you letters often turns into a last-minute task you squeeze in between meetings and campaign reports. Sound familiar? You're not alone.

In the ideal world of fundraising, supporters would discover your nonprofit, feel instantly connected to your mission, and give generously, again and again. But back in reality, donors are juggling busy schedules, limited budgets, and an overwhelming number of causes to consider. That’s why understanding the donor journey is one of the most powerful tools your nonprofit can use to build lasting relationships and grow sustainable giving.

If your organization hasn’t started taking microdonations seriously, now is the time to start.

The nonprofit world is moving faster than ever, and social media is a central artery for building community, cultivating donors, and driving real-world change. If your nonprofit has ever felt stuck sharing content that barely moves the needle, this guide is for you. We’ll share what’s working now on social, explain why donor expectations are evolving, and show you how to build a smart, sustainable social media strategy that feels doable and genuine. 

In the nonprofit world, numbers have long been the currency of success. Pageviews, donor counts, and dollars raised have dominated dashboards and dictated decisions. But a new generation of nonprofit leaders is changing the game. They aren’t ignoring metrics, but by using smarter ones.

If you work in fundraising, this probably sounds familiar. December rolls around and every nonprofit on the planet is sending appeals, calling donors, and crossing fingers for a big year-end boost. Those weeks of the year do matter! According to Giving Tuesday data, a quarter of annual giving happens between late November and New Year’s Eve, with a good percentage coming in the final 24 hours of December.

For the first time in three years, charitable giving in the U.S. outpaced inflation. According to the newly released Giving USA 2025 report, Americans gave an estimated $592.5 billion to charities in 2024. That marks a 6.3% increase in current dollars and a 3.3% increase when adjusted for inflation. It’s a big deal and a welcome sign of resilience and generosity in the philanthropic sector.

When you think about your fundraising strategy, major donors might get the spotlight, and annual donors provide the numbers. However, sitting quietly in the middle is a group with incredible potential: mid-level donors.

The nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges with high staff turnover, tight budgets, and increasing pressure to raise more with less. Enter “fractional fundraising,” a new trend that’s gaining traction among fundraisers and development officers to stretch resources while not sacrificing knowledge or skills. What is fractional fundraising? Is it a cost-saving shortcut, a temporary fix, or a strategic solution to a long-standing problem? Let’s explore what this model really offers, and whether it's right for your nonprofit.

Staying visible, and relevant, on social media requires more than just showing up. In 2025, it’s about showing up smart. For nonprofits, that means staying on top of emerging trends while staying grounded in your mission. The good news? Many of today’s trends are tailor-made for storytelling, community-building, and mobilizing action. These are all things nonprofits do best.

In 2025, nonprofit organizations are facing a digital ecosystem that’s more fast-paced, fragmented, and opportunity-rich than ever. Social media isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore.  It’s essential for building community, cultivating donors, and driving real-world impact. Unfortunately, many nonprofits still struggle to unlock its full potential.

Fundraising events are more than just one-night wins. They’re long-term growth opportunities. But to truly capitalize on their potential, nonprofits need to think beyond ticket sales and auction proceeds. The real power lies in the data.

After years of virtual galas and Zoom-based fundraising, the nonprofit event landscape has entered a new era. It’s one defined by the undeniable power of personal connection. If your organization is looking to not only meet but exceed fundraising goals this year, it’s time to rethink how you approach event strategy.

When you think of fundraising, you might imagine compelling appeals, big galas, or heartfelt thank-you notes. But behind every successful campaign is something less glamorous but even more powerful: data.

Fundraising has always been about more than dollars. It’s about people, values, and the power of generosity to transform lives. But in today’s fractured world, it's time to ask ourselves a deeper question: how can nonprofit professionals use our work to build a more inclusive and equitable culture of giving?

In 2025, the marketing landscape is more digital than ever. Nonprofits are navigating a world full of emails, social ads, and text campaigns. Each offers speed, efficiency, and affordability. It’s no surprise that many organizations are feeling pressure from boards and executives to trim direct mail from the budget. But here’s the bottom line: cutting direct mail may save dollars today, but it can cost your nonprofit much more tomorrow.

When a nonprofit launches a fundraising campaign, sending out a mailing isn’t just about printing letters. It’s about making meaningful connections. At Julep, we understand that behind every successful appeal is smart data management. That means maintaining clean, accurate, and segmented donor information that helps your organization raise more while spending less.

The fundraising landscape has never been static but one recent shift has been impossible to ignore: the explosive growth of donor-advised funds (DAFs). These used to be niche vehicles reserved for high-net-worth individuals and family foundations and have gone mainstream. With billions in charitable assets sitting in DAFs across the country, it’s fair to ask: are DAFs a fleeting trend, or are they the next pillar of fundraising strategy?