2024 was an exciting year for fundraising professionals, with new challenges and opportunities reshaping how we connect with donors. Looking back at our most popular blog posts of the year, several themes emerge—security and compliance, donor-centric strategies, regulatory adaptation, and the growing influence of donor-advised funds. Let’s revisit our top 4 blog posts of 2024 and see what they reveal about the future of fundraising.

1. Navigating PCIv4 Compliance with Luminate Online

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As nonprofits work towards adopting PCIv4 standards, this post explores the compliance updates required to protect donor data while maintaining efficient operations. This post focuses heavily on Blackbaud’s Luminate Online and has been updated as more information is released. The high engagement with this topic reflects the increasing importance of security and operational efficiency in fundraising. Are you ready for the PCIv4 updates?

2. GivingTuesday’s Evolution: A December-Long Impact

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In 2024, GivingTuesday evolved from a single day into a full month of generosity, as the date fell in December giving the option for campaigns to stretch even further. This blog captured actionable tips for extending GivingTuesday’s momentum while keeping donor fatigue at bay. The interest here underscores the growing importance of maximizing key fundraising seasons without overloading supporters. Did you know that GivingTuesday is in December again next year?

3. Click-to-Cancel: How New Regulations Impact Recurring Gift Programs

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Changes in consumer protection laws are reshaping recurring giving programs, requiring nonprofits to offer easy cancellation options. This post unpacked the implications of “click-to-cancel” regulations and provided strategies for retaining recurring donors in this new landscape. The popularity of this topic signals a shift toward donor empowerment and transparency in fundraising practices.

4. Data and DAFs: Using Blackbaud’s tools to Record Donor-Advised Fund Gifts

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With the rising influence of donor-advised funds (DAFs), this blog demonstrated how tools like Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT can help organizations track and engage these high-impact donors effectively. The strong response to this post highlights a growing awareness of DAFs as a critical part of modern fundraising strategies. Check out our Q&A with Chariot’s Mitch Stein here to learn even more about DAF Giving.

So, what does this tell us?

The top blog posts of 2024 highlight several pivotal trends in the fundraising world:

• Security and Compliance: With updates like PCIv4, nonprofits have to prioritize secure data management and operational efficiency to build donor trust and meet evolving regulatory standards.
• Donor-Centric Campaigns: Extended strategies like a combined GivingTuesday and End of Year Campaign reflect the importance of engaging donors on their terms, optimizing key moments without causing fatigue.
• Transparency and Flexibility: New regulations like “click-to-cancel” emphasize the growing need for nonprofits to be transparent and donor-friendly in their recurring gift programs.
• Strategic Focus on DAFs: The rise of donor-advised funds underscores the need for organizations to accurately record these gifts in their fundraising platforms. We expect the popularity of this giving mechanism to grow!

As we start 2025, nonprofits prioritizing security, adaptability, and strategic donor engagement will be well-positioned to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.