State of Good
Explore the latest findings from our State of Good series, revealing key donor behaviors and trends shaping the future of philanthropy.
Weekly insights on donor behavior, industry trends, and what’s shaping generosity
⏱️ 9 minutes | Once a week
Latest Updates
State of Good for April 13, 2026
Pure Charity’s State of Good intelligence brief for April 13, 2026 reveals a fascinating contradiction in nonprofit fundraising: trust in charitable organizations remains high, yet donor participation continues declining. New research identifies five distinct donor motivation profiles, while Rhode Island’s record-breaking $5.08 million giving day demonstrates how authentic urgency and donor segmentation drive results. The report analyzes shifting economic dynamics affecting charitable giving, Charity Navigator’s major rating system overhaul, and breakthrough insights on Christian women donors. Key findings include why matching gift campaigns increase donor likelihood by 80%, how economic strain paradoxically boosts certain giving types, and actionable strategies for reversing the participation paradox. This free intelligence brief provides fundraisers with data-driven solutions for adapting to 2026’s evolving donor landscape.
State of Good for April 6, 2026
Pure Charity’s State of Good intelligence brief for April 6, 2026 reveals critical shifts in nonprofit fundraising. Donor-advised funds have reached $234 billion in assets while experiencing fundamental behavioral changes due to 2026 tax law modifications. New Stanford research shows the mega-gift era is ending as organizations pivot toward small-donor strategies. Meanwhile, 73% of donors now demand transparency on fund usage, with organizations showing financial clarity achieving 53% higher retention rates. This free intelligence brief analyzes DAF evolution, small-donor renaissance, transparency psychology, and successful campaign innovations like UTSA’s 48-hour Giving Day format that’s capturing more donors than traditional approaches.
State of Good for March 30, 2026
Pure Charity’s State of Good intelligence brief reveals how AI adoption creates a trust tightrope for fundraisers, with organizations risking donor confidence without proper oversight. New research shows that while AI enables more personalized campaigns through donor behavior analysis, the same capabilities that make it powerful also make it problematic without ethical frameworks. Meanwhile, the ‘fewer donors, more dollars’ trend continues reshaping strategy, but mid-level donor retention offers a clear path forward. A Texas food bank case study demonstrates how focusing on $500-1,000 annual givers increased retention by 40% and average gifts by $200. The free intelligence brief also covers how social proof increases donation likelihood by 30%, federal policy updates requiring nonprofit attention, and why risk management has become a fundraising essential rather than back-office concern.
State of Good for March 23, 2026
Pure Charity’s State of Good for March 23, 2026 reveals critical challenges facing nonprofits as poor board governance fuels staff burnout while new donor demographics reshape giving patterns. This free intelligence brief documents how organizations maintaining 87% of revenue despite tax changes, increasing planned giving commitments 67% through trust-building, and engaging women donors who boost gifts 35%. The report exposes Gen Z donor frustrations with nonprofit misconceptions while highlighting Cornell University’s record-breaking Giving Day success through peer influence. Data-driven insights include AI-powered donor matching increasing conversions 42% and gift bunching strategies protecting revenue streams. Essential reading for development professionals navigating sector transformation.