Summary

In this episode of the Cause Leadership Podcast, David Hutchinson engages with Julie Fiorini, General Manager, Donor Services & Brand at CanadaHelps, and Allen Davidov, Senior Vice President & Practice Leader of Environics Analytics. They discuss the recently published 2024 Giving Report and explore unexpected trends in charitable giving, the impact of economic factors on donor behavior, and the significant shift towards local giving.

The conversation also highlights the importance of digital fundraising, geographic patterns in philanthropy, and strategies for improving donor retention. The episode concludes with insights on the future of charitable giving and the role of organizations like CanadaHelps in fostering generosity across Canada.

Takeaways

• Giving is up overall, but fewer people are donating.
• The largest year-over-year increase in charitable donations was recorded in 2023.
• Local giving has seen exponential growth, with donations to local causes increasing significantly.
• Digital fundraising is becoming essential for charities.
• Economic uncertainty is affecting donor behavior and spending patterns.
• Monthly giving is on the rise, indicating better donor engagement.
• Charities need to understand their donors to tailor their strategies effectively.
• The Giving Report serves as a vital resource for the charitable sector.
• Generosity is shifting towards local causes and community support.
• There is a growing gap in fundraising expertise within the sector.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Giving Report

01:21 Unexpected Trends in Charitable Giving

04:12 The Impact of Economic Factors on Donor Behavior

08:10 Shifts in Generosity: Local vs. National Giving

12:41 Digital Transformation in Charitable Donations

23:00 Geographic Patterns in Philanthropy

26:16 Donor Retention vs. Acquisition Strategies

31:58 Metrics for Charity Leaders' Success

33:24 The Rise of Giving Tuesday in Canada

35:44 Insights from the Giving Report

38:31 Understanding Donor Behavior

42:50 Navigating Challenges in the Charitable Sector

44:26 The Importance of Talent in Fundraising