11 Trends in Philanthropy for 2025
Our 2025 Trends report examines topics including collective giving, nonprofit lobbying, limited-life philanthropy, giving days, the future of volunteering, social justice, nonprofit workplace wellness, and more!
Author: Johnson Center for Philanthropy
The Nonprofit Workforce is in Crisis
More organizations and communities are experimenting with innovative programs and strategies for managing the nonprofit workplace wellness crisis, but skepticism remains as to whether or not our field will finally make progress against burnout.
The Movement to Fund Democracy is Learning Important Lessons
Since the 2016 election, billions of dollars have been invested in areas like voting rights, fair elections, and civil discourse. But challenges like inequitable access to civic resources and a “boom-and-bust” funding cycle persist.
Evolution and Challenges of Social Justice Philanthropy in a Polarized Era
As organizations grapple with the pressures of polarization and social justice backlash, marginalized communities risk losing essential support systems — and what progress we have been able to make in the first half of this decade.
Increasing Efforts to Address the Health Professional Shortage
The U.S. is facing a national shortage of healthcare workers driven by post-pandemic burnout among professionals, growing demands for services from an aging population, rising education costs, and more.
What Does the Future of Volunteering Look Like?
Volunteer programs remain underfunded and undervalued, despite evidence linking them to broader philanthropic participation. Nonprofits and funders must invest in new approaches and rethink opportunities to fit the needs of new generations.
With Unique Approaches and Millions Raised, Giving Days Grow Up
GivingTuesday has helped to spur a wave of organization-specific giving days that leverage the familiarity and model of the 24-hour digital event to build community and drive donations from first-time and repeat donors alike.
America’s Population is Rapidly Aging. Can Philanthropy Keep Up?
By 2034, older adults will outnumber children for the first time. As aging issues gain prominence in public policy and philanthropy, stakeholders must embrace innovative approaches to ensure equitable and sustainable support for an aging nation.
Tax “Cliff” in 2025 Could Mean Major Change for Philanthropy and Nonprofits
The charitable sector stands at a crossroads as the tax code’s impending 2025 overhaul promises sweeping changes. As lawmakers prepare, the philanthropic community must decide how to engage — or risk being left behind.
More Foundations Opt for Planned Lifespans and Spend-Down Strategies
An increasing number of philanthropic families and foundations are choosing a spend-down, or limited-life, approach to their giving, and lessons and legacies are already beginning to emerge.