Fundraising leaders across sectors are navigating a year defined less by dramatic swings and more by steady, incremental change.

We attended the CCS Fundraising’s Philanthropy Pulse 2026 Survey Webinar and are bringing you the summary for a quick insight overview. You can watch the replay here.

The survey is based on 618 respondents, largely senior fundraising leaders reveal a landscape where stability exists, but pressure points are growing.

Here’s what the data tells us — and what it means for organizations planning ahead.

The Big Picture: Growth Is Modest, Not Explosive

Half of organizations reported either no change or only modest increases in revenue compared to the prior fiscal year. Specifically:

• 14% reported no change
• 17% saw increases of 1% to <5%
• 19% saw increases of 5% to <10%
• 16% increased by 10% to <20%
• 10% increased by 20% or more

At the same time, 25% reported some level of decline (9% decreased by 10% or more; 16% decreased by 1% to <10%).

What this means: Growth is happening — but incrementally. Strategic planning should focus on protecting gains rather than relying on large revenue spikes.

Sector Trends: Most Organizations Are Seeing Revenue Increases

Roughly six in ten organizations reported higher revenue, with the strongest gains seen in:

• Public-society benefit (79% reporting increases)
• Primary and secondary education (73%)
• Higher education (68%)

However, results remain uneven across sectors, reinforcing the need for sector-specific benchmarking rather than one-size-fits-all strategies.

Retention Is Holding Steady — and That’s Critical

New donor retention remained largely unchanged year over year (2024 to 2025), with most organizations retaining donors within mid-range brackets such as:

• 30% to <45% retention (22% in both years)
• 45% to <60% retention (17% in 2024; 16% in 2025)

Meanwhile, donor acquisition showed slight improvement:

• 60% reported an increase in new donors in 2023
• 53% in 2024
• 57% in 2025

Key takeaway:

Policy and External Pressures Are Disruptive

Government policy is a growing concern:

• 47% reported negative impact
• 36% reported no change
• 13% were unsure
• Only 4% reported a positive impact

Among organizations experiencing policy impacts, the most common effects included:

• 61% received reduced government funding
• 40% adjusted communication or language
• 39% reduced budgets
• 35% experienced increased demand
• 31% changed programs or services

This aligns with another key expectation: continued decreases in government funding as a revenue source.

Individual Giving Is Expected to Lead Growth in 2026

Organizations anticipate the strongest increases from:

• Major gifts (57% expect increases)
• Mid-level gifts (52%)
• Annual appeals (49%)

In contrast, many expect government grants to decline, reinforcing the shift toward individual donor pipelines.

People Challenges Are Limiting Fundraising Capacity

Hiring and retention pressures are significant:

• 71% cite limited salary budgets as a top hiring challenge
• 50% report difficulty finding qualified candidates
• 30% note lack of internal growth opportunities

Retention challenges are equally telling:

• 62% report heavy workload/burnout
• 52% limited career growth
• 44% low pay/benefits
• 30% understaffing

Notably, 47% of organizations increased fundraising staff pay by 1% to 6% over the past three years — and those increases were linked to stronger revenue trends.

AI: High Interest, Uneven Adoption

AI experimentation is widespread, but operationalization is still emerging:

• 35% report a somewhat positive stance
• 17% very positive
• 35% neutral
• 13% negative overall (10% somewhat negative; 3% very negative)

Organizations more open to AI reported better revenue outcomes, suggesting that technology posture reflects broader adaptability.

Strategic Takeaways for Leaders

The webinar’s findings reinforce five core realities:

1. Stability is uneven — many organizations are steady, but gaps are widening.
2. Retention drives durability more than acquisition alone.
3. External forces like policy shifts and workforce stress require nimble strategy.
4. Investment in people, pay, and systems correlates with stronger revenue.
5. Prepared organizations — especially in board clarity, planned giving, and data — outperform their peers.

What This Means for Your Organization

For fundraising and nonprofit leaders, the message is clear:

• Prioritize donor retention and stewardship
• Assess funding mix exposure and reduce volatility risk
• Clarify board giving expectations
• Stabilize staff capacity and address burnout
• Explore targeted AI, DEI, and systems strategies

In a year defined by incremental change and rising complexity, organizations that invest intentionally in retention, talent, and diversified revenue streams will be best positioned for sustainable growth.

As always, we are here and happy to support you as your talent partner.