Future-Proof Your Nonprofit: 5 Trends for 2035
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The nonprofit world is changing FAST - and the way we fundraise, build teams, and connect with communities is being rewritten in real time. If you’ve been feeling the tension between keeping your nonprofit afloat today and preparing for tomorrow, this episode is a must-listen.
In this solo episode, Maria Rio dives into five powerful forces shaping the future of the nonprofit sector and lays out what organizations might look like by 2035. From workforce shifts and AI adoption to government instability and DEI backlash, Maria doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges but she also shares smart ways small nonprofits can stay resilient, ethical, and effective through it all.
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The Future of Nonprofit Organizations: The Highlights
The nonprofit workforce is already in crisis....and it’s getting worse. Hiring and retention are major hurdles, with salary competition, burnout, and tight budgets making it hard to maintain strong teams. By 2035, nonprofits may rely more heavily on fractional staff and consultants, while in-house roles shrink to essential functions.
Fundraising will rely even more on the ultra-wealthy.
Donor concentration is increasing. Fewer donors are giving more, and donor-advised funds (DAFs) hold billions in untapped potential. While this creates big opportunities, it also makes funding riskier. A single major donor changing course could disrupt an entire budget.AI is transforming how nonprofits work, but not always for the better. From grant writing to stewardship emails, nonprofits are embracing AI. But too much automation risks alienating donors and devaluing relationships. Stewardship that feels “too perfect” may be seen as inauthentic, and relational fundraisers will become even more critical.
Government funding is becoming unreliable and politicized. Nonprofits are facing freezes, layoffs, and rising scrutiny—especially if they advocate for equity. Some governments are threatening charitable status based on political alignment, putting advocacy-focused organizations at serious risk.
DEI and CCF efforts are facing backlash but they’re not going away. While many staff support Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) and DEI, boards are hesitant or outright opposed. The result? Tension, watered-down messaging, and even lawsuits. But Maria sees a continued rise in CCF adoption, especially among younger, justice-focused fundraisers.
3 Actionable Tips FOR nonprofits:
Start building your future team now.
Think beyond full-time hires. Begin exploring how consultants, fractional leaders, and AI tools can support your mission while keeping burnout and payroll manageable.Diversify your revenue and donor pool.
Relying on one major donor or a single grant is risky. Start developing earned revenue strategies, invest in planned giving, and engage donors who align with your values.Revisit your policies before backlash hits.
Now’s the time to review your gift acceptance policy, create (or update) your AI usage policy, and plan for donor education around your values. This will prepare you for political shifts, funder scrutiny, and community questions.
