Key Insights: 2023 Nonprofit Fundraising Performance Survey

At KidGlov, we believe in the power of nonprofits and the incredible impact they have on our communities. That’s why we dedicate time each year to understanding the industry’s challenges and successes through our annual Nonprofit Fundraising Performance Survey.

The 2023 survey provided invaluable insights into how nonprofit organizations navigated their end-of-year campaigns and what strategies led to their successes or setbacks. Let’s dive into them here:

Community and Connection

This past year, nonprofits made a tremendous effort to connect deeply with their communities. Despite economic uncertainties, many organizations reported significant increases in fundraising outcomes compared to 2022. Their success wasn’t just a roll of the dice but the result of taking a strategic, heartfelt approach to engagement and storytelling.

Embracing Digital and Personalized Communication

Personalized, digital-first strategies are here to stay. Organizations whose fundraising efforts soared leveraged a mix of traditional and digital channels, personalizing the donor experience. Tailoring messages to resonate with individuals proved to be a game-changer, emphasizing that personal connection remains king even in the age of smartphones and AI! This is where services from a digital marketing agency for nonprofits come into play.

The Importance of Early Planning and Diverse Strategies

Planning early and diversifying fundraising strategies were also critical elements that contributed to successful campaigns. Nonprofits that started their campaigns as early as August gave themselves ample time to execute more complex strategies and engage with donors on multiple levels. This approach helped them generate momentum and maintain a connection with donors throughout the campaign.

Learning from Challenges

Not all insights were about successes––we also learned from the challenges. Many organizations faced hurdles related to limited resources, donor fatigue, and maintaining a balanced nonprofit budget. These challenges remind us of the ongoing need for innovation in engaging communities and sustaining donor interest, even with a less-than-ideal economic forecast.

Recommendations for 2024

Based on our findings, here are a few recommendations for nonprofits aiming to enhance their end-of-year fundraising campaigns in 2024:

Start Early

Give yourself the runway needed to plan, execute, and adjust your strategies.

Leverage Data

Use insights from past campaigns to inform your strategies. Understanding what resonates with your donors can help tailor your messages and methods.

Focus on Storytelling

Compelling stories that showcase the impact of donations can drive engagement and support. A strong nonprofit mission statement is essential here.

Increase Personalization

Make every donor feel special and valued, whether it’s through personalized emails, direct calls, or customized donor appreciation events.

Innovate and Adapt

The landscape of nonprofit fundraising is ever-evolving. Stay open to new ideas and technologies to enhance your outreach and engagement strategies. Developing a robust nonprofit strategic plan can help in this aspect.

A Continuing Partnership

KidGlov is here to support you throughout the year with strategic marketing and branding services tailored to your unique needs and goals. We’re proud to offer expertise in nonprofit marketing, including the ability to aid you in creating a comprehensive nonprofit marketing plan––and we remain committed to navigating these unique challenges and opportunities with our nonprofit friends.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2023 survey. Your insights help strengthen the entire nonprofit community and deepen KidGlov’s understanding of how to be the best partner possible. We look forward to learning and growing with you on this journey.

Let’s work together to make 2024 a year of impactful change and meaningful connections in our community!

Report

KidGlov is a full-service advertising, branding, and content marketing agency with B Corp and National Women’s Business Enterprise certifications. It is located in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, and specializes in nonprofit marketing, healthcare marketing, financial services marketing, social impact marketing, and purpose-driven businesses.