Explore the entire 2025 Philanthropy Pulse report.
human services sector fundraising practices
Just over half (54%) of human services organizations report revenue increases versus their prior fiscal year, as compared to 62% across all sectors. Three out of every four (75%) organizations get 20% or less of their giving in the form of non-cash assets, which shows a shift toward non-cash giving from the prior year’s rate (53%).
trends in funding priorities at Human Services Organizations
In the past twelve months, organizations saw an increase in demand or outsized growth of funding in housing assistance and mental or behavioral health assistance, among other services.
human services sector projections and priorities
Fifty percent (50%) of participants expect mid-level gifts to increase this year, followed by expected increases in major gifts (47%) and annual appeal (45%). Organizations might consider leveraging family foundations as a source of mid-level and major gifts. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of respondents believe DEIB aligns with their organization’s values, mission, and social justice goals, compared to 73% across sectors.
Human Services Organizations Have been Responsive to Episodic Giving
Human services nonprofits have deployed numerous donor engagement tactics in response to episodic giving, including adjusting communication focused on ongoing needs (26%), focusing on immediate fundraising for specific needs (19%), and enhanced donor stewardship and recognition programs (16%).
staffing and resourcing in the human services sector
In 2024, 55% of responding human services organizations increased their fundraising staff, up from 38% in the prior year, as compared to about 58% across sectors. While half of all organizations increased staff pay by 4% or more over the past three years, 55% of respondents report doing so in the human services sector.
donor acquisition and retention
Fifty-two percent (52%) of organizations indicate that their number of new donors has increased in the past 12 months, which is similar to 54% across sectors. Thirty-six percent (36%) of organizations report retaining over half of their new donors over the past 12 months, compared to 49% overall. Human services nonprofits might consider leveraging specialized legacy societies as a powerful donor acquisition and retention tool.
Learn more about 2025 donor acquisition and retention strategies in our article.
human services AI, data, and technology
Fifty-four percent (54%) of human services organizations use AI technology in their operations, an uptick from 32% in the previous year, as compared to 53% across sectors. Explore valuable insights, strategies, and tools to support your nonprofit’s growth in AI.
The data on this page was curated from a questionnaire taken by nearly 650 responding organizations during the fall of 2024, reporting on FY2024 results.
