GVSU report reveals challenges, innovations for nonprofits in 2025

“We see philanthropy always striving to balance and meet the needs of the moment and the future,” said Lesley D. Slavitt, the Johnson Center’s executive director. “This year’s report not only highlights the challenges philanthropy is facing today but also explores the innovations and movements that hold the potential for a thriving future.”

The 2025 report examines the following trends:

• Collective giving projected to double in the next five years
• Four key factors are driving a surge in nonprofit lobbying activities
• More foundations opt for planned lifespans and spend-down strategies
• Tax “cliff” in 2025 could mean major change for philanthropy and nonprofits
• America’s population is rapidly aging. Can philanthropy keep up?
• With unique approaches and millions raised, Giving Days grow up
• What does the future of volunteering look like?
• Increasing efforts to address the health professional shortage
• Evolution and challenges of social justice philanthropy in a polarized era
• The movement to fund democracy is learning important lessons
• The nonprofit workforce is in crisis

To further explore these trends, the Johnson Center will present a free webinar to discuss these trends at 2 p.m. on February 12. Moderated by Slavitt, panelists will include Aaron Dorfman, executive director of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy; Aisha Benson, CEO of Nonprofit Finance Fund; and Allen Smart, an expert on rural philanthropy. Visit the Johnson Center’s webpage to register for the webinar.