WID Pulse of Fundraising (Fall 2026)  -  by Sarah Clark
Nonprofits and the development field are experiencing high levels of turnover at both the executive and development director level. This shifting landscape can have a significant impact on fundraising momentum and donor relationships. The resources below offer strategies for effective transitions.

Beyond Fundraising: What Does It Mean to Build a Culture Of Philanthropy was commissioned by the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund to address chronic fundraising challenges, including high levels of turnover and lengthy vacancies in development director positions.

Fundraising continues to change fast, and 2026 is already shaping how nonprofits show up and connect with donors.

Key Trends in Philanthropy for 2025 - Lisa Gregory
With 2025 well underway, the following articles and reports provide a snapshot of key trends in philanthropy for the coming year.

Fundraising in an Election Year
The end of the calendar year is a busy and often chaotic time for development professionals. Adding a dynamic, contentious, and high-stakes presidential election only heightens the chaos and stress we may feel as we strive to hit year-end fundraising goals. Here are some resources to help you have a successful—and a little less-stressful—fundraising season this fall

Tapping into Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
For many nonprofits in the greater Boston area, fundraising for the Boston Marathon is in full swing. Last year alone, peer-to-peer fundraising for this historic event brought in $40.3 million to nonprofits in our area. But peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising—where supporters ask friends and family to donate to a cause they are invested in—is a strategy nonprofits can utilize year-round. The following resources provide insights into P2P fundraising best practices.

November Pulse of Fundraising: AI and Fundraising
November kicks off one of the busiest times of year in development. As our never-ending to-do lists keep growing, there has been increased buzz around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in our sector. Is there a place for ChatGPT in a world where relationships are king? Check out the following resources that explore AI in fundraising, the exciting areas for growth, and things of which to be wary. And for an even deeper dive into this topic, don’t forget to register for our December program, Unlocking the Potential: AI in Fundraising- Exploring Possibilities and Navigating Challenges.

Mental Health Awareness in Fundraising
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, May’s Pulse of Fundraising highlights articles that discuss burnout in our profession and provide some strategies to address it. Make sure to take some time to check in with yourself this month and reach out if you need help: https://namimass.org/resources/. 

 

Fundraising During Challenging Financial Times
Recession and inflation loom large over our work these days. How can we, as fundraisers and nonprofit leaders, prepare our organizations and our donors to weather economic challenges? These four articles offer insights, tips, and some much-needed reminders of the importance of our work, especially in uncertain economic times.

Navigating Difficult Conversations

As development professionals, we’re no strangers to having challenging, sensitive conversations­—with donors, organizational leaders, board members, co-workers, and others. The events of recent years have brought increased attention to a host of complex issues surrounding race and racism, inequality, reproductive rights, politics, and more. These articles offer useful tips on navigating conversations that veer into difficult topics.