Real Event Fundraising Trends 2025
Our takeaways from 2025 events so far.
(We had a cute blog post lined up—think creative interactive activities, tips on engaging all the senses, and sweet photos to make you swoon. But let’s be real: that’s on pause until our country isn’t being torn apart by a clueless, cruel authoritarian regime.)
So here’s the real question nonprofit event planners are asking:
HOW WILL OUR EVENT BE A SUCCESS THIS YEAR?
Here’s what we’re seeing, fresh from the front lines at Seattle events through mid-April 2025. Insights pulled from our Synchronicity client crew and our amazing Genius at Work cohort (want in? Holler— Genius at Work is a drop-in series of monthly meetups with nonprofit fundraising event planners, where we talk through everything keeping you up at night).
Trend #1 – Sell-Out Crowds.
Attendance is holding strong, even spiking for some clients.
Open Arms Perinatal Services Labor of Love event had a full house of attendees at Sodo Park. Photo by: Michael B. Maine
Our advice: Stick to what works. In weird times, real relationships matter more than ever. Empower your network—board members, table captains, advocates—to deliver personal, passionate invitations. Forget relying on emails and social posts; people show up because someone they respect and admire invites them, personally. Always has been true, even truer now.
Trend #2 – Late Registrations.
The chaos of 2025 has people registering late. Like, really late.
Mary’s Place luncheon boasted a full table of guest badges, with many guests confirmed within the final week. Photo by: Danny Ngan
Our advice: Don’t panic. You might only see half your guest list confirmed two weeks out—but with honest check-ins from your table captains and a little gut-trusting magic, you’ll get there. Your people will show up for you (see Trend #1, above).
Trend #3 – Individual Giving is Booming.
We’ve seen record-breaking paddle raises lately—yes, in this economy.
Henry Art Gallery Gala 2025 raised their highest ever — over $400,000! Photo by: Michael B. Maine
Our advice: Keep in touch with your donors pre-event. Then, tell a concise, powerful story in your stage program. Assume everyone is showing up ready to give—they just need your help deciding how much.
Trend #4 – Corporate Sponsors are Hesitating.
Decisions are taking longer. BUT—those with personal ties to your org are still coming through.
Landesa’s Seed The Change event sponsors. Photo by: Michael B. Maine
Our advice: Deepen relationships. Help sponsors see they’re part of your mission, not just underwriting fancy elements of your gala. Refresh your sponsorship pitch to highlight your organization’s impact, not party perks. Keep these contacts close and connected, year-round, a true part of your community.
Trend #5 – Simple, Stripped-Down Events.
Budgets are tighter. And we’re here for it.
Mary’s Place luncheon guests enjoyed a low-key coffee station. Photo by: Danny Ngan
Our advice: (Shameless plug!) Book Synchronicity to help rethink your plans! We’re pros at making magic with fewer dollars. Ditch the bloated extras (high-priced keynote, flashy decor, VIP “extras”) and lean into events that feel authentic, heartfelt, and real. In today’s environment, less really is more.
So … will your event be a success this year?
We say YES.
Not just financially—but also as a boost of positive morale and joy that your team and your community need right now. Now is the time to build collective power and connected networks, to create a healthy future. Your event is part of the solution.
To all you bravehearts planning nonprofit events in 2025—we see you, we’re with you, and we’re getting through this together.
