Beyond the Numbers: What the Giving Outlook Means for Fundraisers Right Now by Go Beyond Fundraising: The Podcast for Nonprofits published on 2026-10-06T20:55:07Z What happens when charitable giving reaches record highs, but the number of donors continues to decline? In this special Giving Outlook discussion, AGP CEO Trent Ricker sits down with Matthew Mielcarek, author of the latest Giving Outlook report, along with sector experts Sarah Hartke, Liz Lowe, and Alyssa Boger to unpack the trends shaping nonprofit fundraising today. Together, they explore why fundraising growth is increasingly concentrated among fewer donors, what that means for organizations across sectors, and why stewardship, donor experience, and retention have become critical drivers of sustainable revenue growth. The conversation examines emerging opportunities in donor-advised funds, monthly giving, mid-level giving, and planned giving, while also addressing the challenges nonprofits face as donor behavior evolves. The panel shares practical insights from food banks, healthcare organizations, public media programs, and national nonprofits, discussing how organizations can reduce donor friction, strengthen relationships, improve retention, and build pathways that turn generosity into long-term support. Whether you're a fundraising executive, nonprofit marketer, or organizational leader, this episode offers actionable takeaways to help you move beyond short-term acquisition and build a fundraising program designed to compound over time. As the panel argues, the future belongs to organizations that can not only receive generosity, but retain it. Listen now to learn what the Giving Outlook means for your organization and where the biggest opportunities for growth may be hiding.
