Bonterra 2025 Impact Report: Top 5 insights
In a year marked by uncertainty and rapid change, the organizations that made the greatest strides weren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets or boldest missions — they were the ones that used data to act intentionally.
At Bonterra, we’re privileged to work alongside thousands of nonprofits, foundations, and corporate changemakers. Our Impact Report draws on our collective knowledge from decades of data science experience and real customer outcomes to create actionable insights that you can put to work.
This year’s report reinforces one clear truth: generosity is not just an aspiration — it’s a strategy. Below are five takeaways from the report that I believe every social good organization should act on in 2025.
1. Turn prospects into champions
Too often, nonprofits focus on acquiring new donors but overlook the enormous potential of nurturing those relationships. A well-timed follow-up, a story that resonates, or a clear invitation to become a recurring donor can transform a one-time giver into a lifelong supporter.
Our data backs it up: first-time donors are significantly more likely to become long-term givers if re-engaged within two months. But beyond metrics, the real power lies in storytelling and trust-building. Think about what your organization stands for, and make sure your supporters understand the role they play in that story.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association used Bonterra EveryAction to refine their donor journeys. With smarter segmentation and more intuitive donor flows, it created more meaningful supporter relationships and saw giving increase accordingly. Eden Taylor, director of communications and marketing, says the customized communication has helped them drive those relationships. “We’re using it to speak to our supporters, segment our audiences, and talk to our friend groups,” says Eden.
2. Find your ideal funding match
Grant writing is often seen as a volume game, but it’s also a relationship game. Too many organizations stop trying after a single rejection. Our data shows that nonprofits who reapply after an initial “no” have a 49% chance of getting a “yes.”
That’s not a fluke. It’s a testament to funders wanting to invest in organizations that show persistence, growth, and alignment. Instead of chasing one massive grant, consider diversifying with smaller, more frequent applications, and revisit funders who already know your work.
As an example, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund uses Bonterra CyberGrants and Bonterra Jumpstart to empower nonprofit grantees. Its strategy includes providing coaching, sustainability support, and tech infrastructure to help nonprofits quadruple their individual giving while maximizing philanthropic ROI. Angela Gabridge is the executive director of MiGen, a nonprofit in MHEF’s grantee cohort. “Participating in Jumpstart meant being able to access a coach who was instrumental in helping us unlock the full potential of the platform,” she says.
3. Respond to crises in record time
Social and environmental crises can arise without warning, but how we respond makes all the difference. We’ve seen it time and again: nonprofits that fundraise early and communicate clearly during a crisis can receive a massive influx of support.
In fact, our data shows that during peak crisis moments, nonprofits can see over a 1,700% increase in new donors. But these surges aren’t just about spikes in giving — they’re about reaching new audiences and forming lasting bonds.
The Texas Diaper Bank, through Bonterra Network for Good, equipped itself with technology to quickly respond to natural disasters and community needs. Because of that agility, they were able to build stronger local trust and serve more families when it mattered most. “I will always be grateful for having this software,” says Executive Director Jorge Medina. “Previously, we didn’t have a way for people to donate to us. It allowed us to manage a multitude of donors.”
4. Invest in the power of trust
What keeps supporters engaged over time isn’t just impact, it’s also confidence. Sustained giving flourishes when donors trust an organization deeply. Trust is earned through transparency, personalization, and empowerment.
One of the most powerful trust strategies is peer-led fundraising. According to our data, when organizations enable supporters to fundraise on their behalf, they activate 3x more fundraisers while dramatically reducing staff effort. But again, it’s not just the numbers —it’s about creating a community of champions.
Organizations like the Wilmington Alliance and Arab-American Family Support Center use Bonterra Apricot to make trust tangible. Whether through optimized case management or peer-led campaigns, these nonprofits have made supporters feel like insiders — and that connection drives long-term growth. Wilmington Alliance’s CEO Renata Kowalczyk says investing in technology is a must for nonprofits looking to demonstrate impact. “You cannot afford not to do that, and you don’t have to start big. You can start small, building up. If you care about the community you serve, you owe it to them to be more organized, more on point, more ready,” she says.
5. Strengthen giving in the workplace
Workplace giving is no longer limited to annual campaigns or check-the-box volunteering. It’s a powerful tool to foster employee pride and corporate purpose, especially when combined with technology.
As our report shows, companies that match employee donations see 3x the average gift amounts. But even more powerful is the rise of digital giving tools — wallet integrations, gamification, social feeds — that meet employees where they are and invite them into shared impact.
Ally Financial uses Bonterra CyberGrants to create a seamless workplace giving experience. Its employee engagement rate is 72.8%, far above the industry benchmark of 32%. Lynne Walters, senior director of corporate leadership at Ally, says of our software, “If we didn’t have tools like this, I can guarantee you we would have far, far less engagement.”
A blueprint for the Generosity Generation
Bonterra’s 2025 Impact Report is more than a retrospective. It’s a playbook for organizations that want to scale their mission, elevate their partnerships, and mobilize the next wave of generosity.
At Bonterra, we believe that smarter data leads to stronger relationships — and stronger relationships create deeper impact. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling nationwide, these five strategies are a springboard to help you lead with purpose.
Let’s build the Generosity Generation together.
Check out the Impact Report and explore how Bonterra’s software can help you turn insights into action.
Work with Bonterra
Ready to drive more impact?
