2025 Fundraising Event Trends

As we move into 2025, fundraising events are evolving to meet the expectations of both donors and event organizers, with a focus on technology, personalization, and sustainability. Here are five of the top fundraising event trends to watch in 2025:

Hybrid and Virtual Events

• Continued Flexibility: Hybrid events, which combine in-person and virtual elements, continue to thrive in 2025. This format allows you to engage a wider audience, from local donors to global supporters, all while maintaining a personal touch.
• Interactive Virtual Experiences: Virtual events are becoming more immersive, incorporating interactive elements like live Q&As, virtual auctions, and 3D virtual event environments to keep online attendees engaged.
• On-Demand Content: Offering recorded content for donors to watch at their convenience helps keep the event accessible long after the live experience.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Initiatives

• Green Events: Sustainability is at the forefront of many fundraising events in 2025. This includes digital invitations instead of printed materials, carbon offsetting, and zero-waste initiatives.
• Digital Event Programs and Schedules: Mobile Event Apps: Mobile apps or event platforms (like Whova or Eventbrite) allow attendees to access real-time schedules, speaker bios, and session details without needing printed materials. These apps can be personalized to suit individual preferences, offering push notifications for schedule changes or reminders.
• Interactive Digital Programs: QR codes on tables or walls can link directly to a live, updated event program on a mobile device. This helps minimize printed schedules and enables quick access to relevant sessions or activities.
• Sustainable Alternatives: Instead of printing large quantities of brochures or schedules, digital programs can be easily updated and distributed to attendees, cutting down on paper waste and the need for reprints.

Hybrid Auction Experiences

• Online Silent Auctions: Online auctions allow for an expanded, global audience, and they are becoming a standard component of virtual and hybrid events. Many auction platforms now integrate with live-streaming tools, creating a seamless experience for attendees.
• Live Auction Experiences: Incorporating live auction events with a professional auctioneer, either in-person or virtually, remains a popular and exciting option to drive high-dollar donations.
• Item Flexibility: Event organizers are offering more than just physical items, including unique experiences like VIP access, meet-and-greets, or even “donation challenges,” where donors pledge a set amount if certain goals are met.

Experience-Based Fundraising

• Immersive Experiences: Donors want more than just a transactional event—they seek unique experiences. Interactive dinners, behind-the-scenes tours, and once-in-a-lifetime events are becoming key draws for donors.
• VIP Packages: High-net-worth donors are often incentivized with exclusive packages, such as private dinners with celebrities, backstage access, or personalized event experiences.

Mobile and Contactless Payment Solutions

• Streamlined Donations: Mobile payment options (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit card scanning) are making it easier than ever for donors to contribute quickly at events. With a few taps, donors can make contributions or purchase auction items, enhancing the overall experience.
• QR Codes: QR codes are increasingly used at events, directing attendees to donation pages, event schedules, or exclusive content, making it easy for people to get involved right from their smartphones.