In June 2025, SOFII partner Blackbaud released their latest benchmarking report. This year it explores how professionals across the UK are navigating a changing landscape of fundraising in the age of AI.

The Status of UK Fundraising is in its eighth year, and this year’s edition comprises over 35 pages of insights and data for you.

Usefully, over 550 professionals shared details about their recent fundraising performance and experiences of working in the sector. This report examines those responses and delves into the evolving dynamics of nonprofit fundraising. These year on year insights give a comprehensive view of the social impact community in 2025, helping you understand and benchmark your performance.

There is a lot of information to digest, but to get you started, here are five key findings from this year’s report:

1. All sectors shared the current economic landscape as their number one fundraising concern

Of those participants who experienced a decline in their revenue, many cited the current economic landscape as the main reason for their concerns, followed by fewer donors and lower gift values.

2. More organisations reported a static or increased voluntary income rather than a decline

Although the fundraising landscape has been very challenging, most respondents said they met or exceeded their fundraising targets in the last full financial year.

3. Government grants are a vital revenue stream for those who receive them

Only 18 per cent of those who raise funds from government grants say the contribution of this income stream has increased over the last three years, emphasising the benefits of income source diversification.

4. AI usage in the sector is significantly increasing year on year

77 per cent of participants use AI in comparison to 57 per cent last year, and more organisations now have the resources to explore AI usage in their nonprofit. This increased use is, however, largely limited to generative AI and natural language processing, and AI policy development is still in its early stages despite increased use.

5. The levels of digital maturity impact the perceived value of AI

Out of those who use AI: 

• Those with low digital maturity are often nervous about AI and understand that they need to get their tech basics right before advancing AI use. 

• Those with average digital maturity want to realise the efficiency benefits AI can bring but are often worried that related risks are too great or unpredictable. 

• Those with high digital maturity not only understand the applications and benefits but also the limitations of using AI in the sector – and they are calling for sector-wide guidelines around its use.

Explore these key insights further...

If you are interested in learning more and seeing how your own organisation compares, you can download and view the complete report, here. 

Pascale Harvie, senior vice president at Just Giving says: 

‘As you delve into the detailed findings, we hope this report serves as a catalyst for meaningful discussions and strategic planning within your organisations. The insights provided are aimed at empowering you to benchmark your performance, navigate the complexities of AI in the sector, and get inspired by what your peers are doing to continue the important work our sector is most passionate about: driving greater impact on the local communities we serve.’