FALL 2025 DONOR CONFIDENCE REPORT
By Jared Matthews
Strategy and Research Manager, BBS & Associates
You’re asking questions in these uncertain times.
At BBS, we hear you. Your concerns are our concerns, too. That’s why I’m pleased to announce the release of a new Donor Confidence Report — conducted this fall by trusted research firm Campbell Rinker.
We want to help you move forward in successful and meaningful ministry amid uncertainty. The report includes key findings and updates on the current state of donor giving, as well as our takeaways and recommendations for the remainder of 2025. You can access it here.
Let me share some key insights:
- Christian donors show a rising trend for ‘giving being expendable’ and a falling trend for ‘giving being essential.’ The trends do not cross, but they’re headed there.
- Compared to February 2025, fewer Christian donors expect their finances to remain the same. The share of donors who expect better days to come has gone down, while those who expect worse days to come has gone up.
- Christian donors who reported higher household income (HHI) went from 40% in February 2025 to 37% this fall, and the share who reported lower HHI rose from 14% to 22%.
- 51% of Christian donors and 53% of conservative donors said they were likely to give before the end of the year, just slightly higher than at this point last year.
- At 20% now, the share of Christian donors who expect to give more by the end of the year is lower than the 25% who had plans to do so last August — and dips even further below the 28% recorded in February 2024.
- Boomers were significantly more likely than other generations to say their financial situation was not challenging.
Three important recommendations:
- Your organization’s why and what should be part of every communication to your donors. Overstress the importance and uniqueness of what you do
- Make donors feel like they are a significant part of your ministry and work.
- Focus on lapsed donor reactivation.
We’re happy to share the full report with you … including additional relevant findings and key recommendations for how to connect with your donors more effectively for the rest of 2025 and into the new year ahead.
BBS & Associates remains committed to supporting your ministry’s success. We move forward with confidence in the Lord’s provision and are honored to partner with you in advancing your ministry’s mission and impact, to the glory of God.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at jmatthews@servantheart.com with any questions or concerns.
I look forward to hearing from you.
