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The nonprofit sector has undoubtedly experienced a tumultuous few months. Though the markets have temporarily stabilized and cuts to government funding seem clearer, major questions remain as to what the future of fundraising will look like.
It can feel natural in these moments to focus on tried-and-true cash giving. But organizations that take this route will likely fall behind, especially with the approach of the Great Wealth Transfer.
This article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy details just how pivotal planned giving is in the coming years. Over the next 24 years, an expected $18 trillion is expected to flow to charities. With most of this money held by the baby boomer generation, planned giving is a key avenue to diversify and bolster your fundraising streams. Our co-CEO, Patrick Schmitt, is quoted in the article, saying, “The great wealth transfer was overblown in the 1990s. It’s really starting now.”
The same exciting opportunity is true for real-time, non-cash giving. Because of tax changes and fluctuating markets, small-dollar giving is steadily declining—meaning that now is the time to emphasize non-cash gifts, which tend to be larger.
We’ve seen this to be true. Asset-based gifts made through FreeWill have skyrocketed already in 2025—IRA giving is up 64% year to date, crypto gifts are up 89% year to date, and Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) giving is up 217% year to date.
So, what does all of this mean for you? The bottom line is this: what you do now matters, and investing in—and promoting—major and planned gifts will be pivotal. With key FreeWill campaigns coming up (our Summer Smart Giving and Make-A-Will Month campaigns just launched), we’re here to help!
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