The Tool Trunk

Nonprofits today face more volatility than ever—economic shifts, donor fatigue, funding cuts, and unpredictable grant cycles. In that climate, relying too heavily on one revenue stream is risky.

Private foundations are poised to play an even greater role in nonprofit sustainability. With government funding under strain and economic uncertainty persisting, many nonprofits are turning to foundations for critical support.

When it comes to annual reports, donor updates, and especially grant applications, many nonprofits find themselves caught in a numbers trap.

If you’ve noticed your funders asking fewer questions, offering longer grant periods, or giving more unrestricted support, you’re not imagining it. The landscape of philanthropy is shifting. In 2025, trust-based philanthropy is no longer just a buzzword—it’s an evolving movement reshaping the relationship between funders and grantees.

According to Nonprofit Tech for Good’s 2025 Online Fundraising Statistics, monthly giving now accounts for 31% of all online revenue for nonprofits. For organizations that offer it, monthly donations make up 46% of their online income—nearly half.

Even the best teams get stretched too thin. And when it comes to developing an annual report—a project that requires focus, strategy, and storytelling—that stretch starts to show. If your annual report always feels like it’s running behind (or rushed at the end), you’re not alone. Here's why it happens—and what you can do differently this year.