In this episode of The First Day from The Fund Raising School, Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back Lindsay Marciniak, Managing Partner at CCS, for a data-rich conversation about the fifth edition of the Philanthropy Pulse Report. The report draws on responses from 618 nonprofit organizations across 47 states and 18 countries, giving fundraisers a broad look at both recent fundraising performance and the trends shaping the year ahead. Lindsay shares one of the report’s most encouraging findings: 62% of organizations reported increased revenue in the previous year. Bill places that in context, noting that even amid economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and questions about recession, donors continue to demonstrate generosity when they are invited to support meaningful work. In other words, philanthropy is still showing up, coffee in hand, ready to help.

The conversation then turns to stewardship and donor retention, where the data provide both encouragement and a clear call to action. Lindsay explains that 44% of respondents reported average donor retention rates between 30% and 60%, centering near the national average of 47%. She also notes that organizations are using both personal approaches, such as individual and small-group meetings, and broader strategies, including targeted digital communications. In fact, 69% of organizations plan to support donor retention through targeted digital outreach. Bill reinforces a key principle taught at The Fund Raising School: stewardship is the fundraising that happens between the asks. Donor retention is not simply something to admire, lament, or put on a spreadsheet with a tiny violin playing in the background. It is something organizations can strengthen through intentional gratitude, communication, and relationship building.

Board engagement also receives significant attention in the report and in the discussion. Lindsay explains that organizations with clear expectations for board members, including giving and fundraising responsibilities, reported stronger revenue outcomes. The survey found that 52% of organizations say board members fundraise occasionally, while only 14% report very frequent board involvement, 28% say participation is rare, and 6% report no board participation at all. Bill adds research from The Fund Raising School showing that when nonprofits clearly communicate expectations for board giving and fundraising, board members are 11 times more likely to donate and fundraise. The message is delightfully direct: do not assume board members know what is expected. Clarify, repeat, invite dialogue, and help board members understand that they can contribute not only by asking for gifts, but also through stewardship, introductions, expertise, and credibility.

The episode closes with a look at AI, fundraising consulting, and future growth opportunities. Lindsay notes that while nonprofits remain curious about AI, many are still in the early stages of adoption, with close to half of responding organizations not using AI at all. For those that are, AI is most often used to enhance personalized donor engagement through writing, editing, and content support. Both Bill and Lindsay emphasize that AI is currently best understood as an enhancement, not a replacement, especially in a sector where staff often face high expectations and burnout. Looking ahead, the report points to major gifts, mid-level donors, non-cash assets, blended gifts, donor-advised funds, and stronger development operations as major areas of opportunity. The episode offers fundraisers a practical reminder that data are not just numbers on a page; used well, they help organizations steward donors, engage boards, support staff, and build stronger fundraising strategies for the future.