How Local and Flexible Giving Will Shape Fundraising in 2026

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March 16, 2026 | 5 min read By:

Key Takeaways:

  • Donors are motivated when giving feels personal and connected to a community need. 
  • Messages that tie a specific need to a clear outcome have more powerful outcomes than vague appeals.
  • While general operating support is critical, fundraisers must first build trust with new donors by using program-specific asks before broadening to general operating support requests.

Fundraisers are navigating a time where donors want agency, connection, and impact. At recent conferences I attended, two clear themes stood out to me that every fundraiser must integrate into their work now: the power of local giving (especially around big moments like GivingTuesday) and the growing importance of flexible support for nonprofits. These trends are shaping where and how donors choose to give and how fundraisers engage with their target audiences.

Here are key strategies I see shaping fundraising in 2026:

Show the Strength of Local Giving

GivingTuesday has become one of the most powerful annual drivers of individual generosity. In 2025, 38.1 million donors in the U.S. gave a record $4 billion to nonprofits. Participation grew even though economic uncertainties persisted, suggesting donors are motivated to act when giving feels personal and connected to community need.

Here’s what that means for fundraisers now:

  • Reclaim the narrative of local and regional giving.
    People don’t just give on one big day. They respond when they understand how their gift helps solve a real need, especially in their own community. When you plan a GivingTuesday campaign, a long-term campaign, or a short-term initiative, emphasize clear, tangible outcomes that resonate with local supporters.
  • Make giving feel personal and actionable.
    Messages that tie a specific need to a clear outcome will out-perform vague appeals. For example, saying “Your gift of $50 provides 10 meals to local children who don’t know where their next meal is coming from” is more powerful than “Giving $50 provides food to children in need.” A personal framing inspires people to feel they can make a difference.
  • Leverage momentum with giving platforms.
    By enrolling your nonprofit and promoting campaigns on giving platforms like Blackbaud Verified Network, you make it easier for people, including workplace donors and community supporters, to discover and support your cause. A completed profile showcases your organization where donors are already looking for trustworthy, mission-aligned partners.

Double Down on Flexible Giving

One consistent thread from conference conversations was that nonprofits need flexible support more than ever. Rigidly earmarked gifts can limit your capacity to respond to unexpected challenges. However, many donors, especially newer ones, want to see specific program impact before they increase their support.

Practical takeaways for fundraisers:

  • Start with program-specific asks that clearly tie donations to tangible impact. That builds trust and helps donors see the real change their support fuels.
  • Broaden your ask once trust is established to include general operating support. This approach respects donor preferences for transparency while ultimately giving your organization the flexibility it needs to adapt and grow.

 

Fundraising requires a strategy that reflects generosity as a social act. Donors want to feel connected to outcomes, be part of something larger than themselves, and give in ways that reflect their values. When fundraisers combine clear, local storytelling with tools that make giving simple and trustworthy, you expand both reach and impact. These aren’t just trends — they’re practical shifts to work in your day-to-day fundraising. When donors feel connected, empowered, and seen, they give more often, at higher levels, and stay engaged longer.

For more information about Blackbaud Verified Network or to sign up, visit https://nonprofit.yourcause.com/login/create-account. 

Ready to promote your nonprofit to over 8 million potential donors with access to a workplace giving program? Sign up for Blackbaud Verified Network and read tips on how to use AI to reach more donors, using volunteer experiences to attract corporate support, and other free resources on our blog. It’s time to unlock a new era of fundraising success for your organization!

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