What nonprofits wish donors knew

For this year’s Why Giving Matters report, we surveyed 1,700 nonprofits from across the country to see what nonprofits truly want from their donors. The overwhelming consensus? They want more recurring grants! 
 

Recurring giving with a donor-advised fund (DAF) is a popular philanthropic tool because it offers an easy way for donors to drive their favorite nonprofits’ missions forward. Recurring grants help nonprofits maintain financial stability, allow for more accurate budgeting, and enable donors to be more responsive to changing needs. 
 

But the survey didn’t stop there. Read on to hear from nonprofits firsthand about exactly when and why they want recurring grants from donors and how you can amplify your impact for your favorite charities with a donor-advised fund. 
 

You have to stick around to truly see their impact in action 

Nonprofits want you to know that expanding your giving beyond one gift as a recurring donor enables you to gain a complete picture of everything they accomplish thanks to your ongoing support.

Nonprofits love to show donors how their charitable gifts make a difference in the communities they serve. That’s harder to do when donors’ interactions with organizations may revolve around a single gift. 
 

Results don’t happen overnight. Scheduled automatic recurring grants give nonprofits and donors the gift of time—time to facilitate and demonstrate real change. Unlike single-gift donors, recurring donors don’t have to just anticipate the impact their grants will have on the world, they can see it take shape firsthand over time. This long-term engagement enables donors and nonprofits to experience enduring philanthropy together and develop meaningful relationships that transcend financial generosity.
 

Nonprofits shared in the report that as donors become more engaged with their favorite charities, their support extends beyond monetary gifts and can frequently include volunteering, interacting with board members or staff, and attending fundraisers or events. These charitable opportunities outside of traditional giving are important because they increase communication and engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of the mission and how the donors’ charitable giving can be most effectively leveraged for maximum impact. 
 

And as engagement increases and donors see the impact of their support, their generosity grows as well. The report finds that Vanguard Charitable donors increase their recurring grants by 8% each year on average regardless of economic conditions.
 

“We value recurring donors’ ongoing commitments because they not only support operational needs but also foster a deeper connection between our organization and those who believe in our mission.” -LeTeisha Gordon, Founder & Program Director of A Better Day Than Yesterday Initiative Program 
 

Christmas in July 

Although a gift at any time is appreciated, nonprofits want you to know there are certain times of the year when your charitable giving can bridge serious funding gaps. 
 

November and December are peak months for charitable giving. In fact, 30% of annual giving takes place in December, and 10% occurs in just the last 3 days of the year. However, receiving grants earlier in the year, or—even better—throughout the year, is critical for many nonprofits. Why Giving Matters reports that 72% of nonprofits prefer to receive gifts between January and September. 
 

Gifts earlier in the year make it easier for charities to pace their spending throughout the year and effectively establish year-end fundraising targets. The unwavering financial support provided by automatic recurring grants is a lifeline for nonprofits earlier in the year, helping them stay afloat during the ebbs and flows of traditional giving periods. 
 

Nonprofits share that summer is a particularly challenging time for organizations. Kids are out of school, families are traveling, and people are outside enjoying the warm weather. Philanthropy is less top-of-mind for donors during these long and busy summer days, and, as a result, funding declines.
 

But when recurring grants are established on an automatic schedule, there is no pause in donor support. Committed donors don’t need to disrupt their day at the beach to recommend a grant to a nonprofit. 

At Vanguard Charitable, we get to see this impact in action. Our donors using the automatic scheduling recurring grants feature make up more than 20% of summer giving. This funding during slower months significantly aids a charity’s ability to carry out their mission and respond to this need by automating their giving with their DAF accounts. 

Conclusion

A recurring donor is an impactful donor. In 2024, Vanguard Charitable recurring donors granted 3.5 times more dollars than nonrecurring donors. And with a Vanguard Charitable DAF, charitable funds are ready to be deployed, making recurring giving simple and convenient. When donors use their DAFs to make recurring grants, they strengthen the long-term financial health of nonprofits, empower charities to advance their missions year-round, and foster deeply rewarding, lasting philanthropic relationships. 
 

Eager for more nonprofit testimonials, donor data, and survey results? Download the 2025 Why Giving Matters report today. And if you want even more information on how DAFs impact the charitable giving landscape, check out our 2023 report and our 2024 report.