5 Essential Goals for Nonprofit Fundraising in 2025

As we step into 2025, the nonprofit landscape continues to evolve, and with it, the strategies we employ to sustain and grow our missions. A strong fundraising plan is critical to success, beginning with setting intentional, achievable goals. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or new to the field, these five essential goals can serve as your blueprint for a thriving year ahead.

1. Financial Targets: Setting a Clear Goal for Your Team

Start with clarity. Define your organization’s monetary objectives for the year—whether that’s an ambitious annual fundraising target or specific amounts needed for individual campaigns. Financial targets provide a clear direction for your team and a benchmark to measure progress. When setting these goals, make sure they are data-driven, realistic, and aligned with your organization’s overall strategic plan.

2. Donor Acquisition: Expanding Your Circle of Support
Acquiring new donors is essential for the long-term health of your organization. Set a goal for increasing the number of new supporters within a set timeframe. Use past donor data and trends to create a realistic target that challenges your team without overwhelming them.

Focus on strategies like leveraging social media campaigns, hosting engaging events, and creating compelling donor stories to reach untapped audiences. Expanding your donor base enhances financial stability and builds a broader community of advocates for your mission.

Need help acquiring new donors? Our development team would love to work alongside you.

3. Donor Retention: Turning Supporters into Lifelong Partners
Acquiring donors is important, but retaining them is arguably the most important pathway to long-term sustainability. A high retention rate means consistent funding, reduced acquisition costs, and stronger relationships with those who already believe in your work.

Make donor retention a priority by demonstrating impact—show donors how their contributions are changing lives. Personalize your communications, celebrate milestones like donor anniversaries, and make gratitude a central part of your strategy. Your goal should be to keep your current donors inspired and engaged year after year. 

We put together a donor stewardship checklist to help with managing relationships, check it out here!

4. Recurring Donations: Building Predictable Revenue
Recurring donations are the holy grail of nonprofit fundraising. They provide a steady and predictable income stream, allowing your organization to plan and execute with confidence. Set a specific goal to convert a percentage of one-time donors into recurring contributors in 2025.

To achieve this, create a compelling case for recurring giving. Highlight how even small, consistent gifts can create a lasting impact. Offer flexible giving options, and use tools like subscription-style donation platforms to make the process seamless for donors.

5. Campaign-Specific Goals: Staying Focused and Measurable
With campaign planning, it’s helpful to break it down into a few smaller steps. First, determine what fundraising campaigns you will run over the course of the year. Second, determine the timeframe, purpose, and theme for each campaign. Every fundraising campaign should have a clear objective. Whether it’s raising $50,000 for a scholarship program or securing funding for a new community initiative, specific campaign goals help maintain focus and measure success.

Establish timelines, set target amounts, and outline your strategies in advance. Then, communicate these goals clearly to your team, stakeholders, and donors. When everyone is aligned, your campaigns are more likely to succeed.

Making 2025 Your Best Fundraising Year Yet

By setting these five essential goals—financial targets, donor acquisition, donor retention, recurring donations, and campaign-specific objectives—you’re laying the groundwork for a strong and sustainable fundraising strategy. Remember, these goals are interconnected; progress in one area often supports and amplifies success in another.

Keep your mission at the heart of every effort as you work toward these objectives. With focus, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, 2025 can be a transformative year for your nonprofit. Let’s make it happen!

Feel free to share your thoughts and strategies for nonprofit fundraising success in the comments—we’d love to hear from you! If your organization needs any development or communication support, Fundraise is now taking new clients. To get started, book a free call or fill out our contact form.