New Report Reveals Nonprofit Priorities for 2023

Fundraising professionals shared their 2022 successes, challenges, and how they’re planning for 2023

December 6, 2022 — INDIANAPOLIS – OneCause, a leading provider of event and online fundraising technology, today released their new report: The 2023 Fundraising Outlook: Insights for Nonprofit Planning & Prioritization. In this year’s annual survey, findings from 890 fundraising professionals provided insights into where organizations found success in 2022, common challenges, and what they’re prioritizing in 2023 as they create their fundraising strategies.

“The nonprofits that are listening to what donors have to say about event format preferences are seeing the greatest success,” said Steve Johns, chief executive officer at OneCause. “Our data shows that 80% of organizations who held all in-person or hybrid fundraising events with some virtual elements reported being in line with or raising more than their 2022 event fundraising goals. As nonprofits prepare for 2023 and prioritize donor acquisition, organizations who haven’t typically relied on formats like DIY fundraising, hybrid peer-to-peer events, or auctions with a virtual component should consider experimenting with these wide-reaching formats to provide optionality and engage wider audiences.”

Key findings include:

• Event and online fundraising revenue remain vital to nonprofit success. Over half of nonprofits reported generating 21% or more of their annual operating budget from their event and online fundraising efforts in 2022. Ninety-five percent of organizations held at least one online campaign, and 93% reported holding at least one fundraising event this year.

• In-person events will make a strong showing in 2023, and nonprofits remain mindful of donor preferences by keeping hybrid events on the calendar. As donor comfort levels with in-person events continue to grow, 83% of organizations plan to hold at least one in-person event in 2023. To meet varying preferences, and to continue to reach a more geographically dispersed donor base, many nonprofits are keeping a diverse mix of event formats on their calendars.
• Donor engagement, fatigue, retention and recurring giving all fall within the top challenges for nonprofits. There was a marked decrease in the number of organizations that reported pandemic-related planning as a major challenge. Donor-related challenges returned to the top of the list for most nonprofits. Staff turnover also emerged as a challenge affecting
  many organizations, particularly those with annual operating revenues above $5 million.
• Organizations have inconsistent access to data useful in data-driven fundraising and storytelling. Time, the ability to gain actionable insights, and disorganized data present challenges to approximately two-thirds of nonprofits. Only 18% of nonprofits reported having all the data and insights they need and that they use them in nearly every decision they make.

These are just a few of the key findings. Visit the OneCause website to download the full report.

Additional media:

• Infographic
• Key Findings Blog

About OneCause

OneCause is driving the future of fundraising with easy-to-use event and online fundraising solutions that help nonprofits improve the giving experience and raise more money. OneCause builds technology that optimizes everyday generosity, making it easier for nonprofit organizations to fundraise and for nonprofit supporters to give. Since 2008, OneCause has helped over 10,000 nonprofits raise more than $4.9 billion for their missions. Headquartered in Indianapolis, OneCause is committed to driving innovation in the charitable sector, bringing together nonprofit professionals across the world for the annual Raise Conference to exchange ideas that further fundraising. For more information, visit www.onecause.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Media Contact:
Sarah Sebastian
press@onecause.com