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Fundraising is never easy, but 2025 brings its own set of challenges for part-time fundraisers. Between changing donor expectations, evolving technology, and the eternal struggle of not enough hours in the day, staying ahead of the curve is crucial.

Here are the top five fundraising challenges in 2025—and, more importantly, how you can tackle them head-on.

1. Donor Fatigue Is Real

People are overwhelmed with donation requests. With so many causes competing for attention, getting donors to give (again) can feel like pulling teeth.

✅ The Fix: Make every ask feel personal. Use donor data to acknowledge past contributions, share impact stories, and focus on meaningful relationships rather than just transactions. A well-timed, heartfelt “thank you” can be more powerful than another donation request.

2. AI & Automation—Friend or Foe?

AI is everywhere, but many fundraisers don’t know how to use it effectively. Instead of replacing personal connections, it should enhance them.

✅ The Fix: Automate the busy work—like email sequences and donor tracking—so you can spend more time on personal engagement. Tools like Karani help you streamline outreach without losing the human touch.

3. One-Time Donations vs. Recurring Giving

It’s great when someone donates once, but sustainable fundraising relies on recurring gifts. The challenge? Getting donors to commit long-term.

✅ The Fix: Make monthly giving the norm, not the exception. Offer exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, or even a name on a donor wall as incentives for ongoing support. Show donors why their continued support matters.

4. Limited Time & Resources

Most part-time fundraisers juggle multiple roles, making it hard to stay consistent.

✅ The Fix: Focus on high-impact activities—personal donor follow-ups, strategic fundraising asks, and automated campaigns. Block off just five hours a week for fundraising and use tools to handle the rest.

5. Social Media & Fundraising Fatigue

Social media is a powerful tool, but constant content creation can feel exhausting. Plus, donors are tuning out generic posts.

✅ The Fix: Post less, but better. Share real stories, donor shout-outs, and behind-the-scenes moments. Lean into video and interactive content to boost engagement without needing a full-time social media team.

The Bottom Line

Fundraising in 2025 isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. With a personalized approach, smart automation, and a focus on recurring giving, you can overcome these challenges and keep growing your impact.

Need an easier way to manage it all? Check out Karani—fundraising software built for busy fundraisers like you.