Consumers are highly aware of the significant need that exists across a wide range of causes, but inflation is forcing nearly half of consumers to donate less to nonprofits and charitable organizations. With time also being a precious commodity that consumers have limited reserves of, nonprofits have to promote a wider range of avenues for receiving support.
Market share and key industry trends
- Nonprofits need to form a deeper connection with donors and potential donors as inflation limits what consumers can donate. Consumers have no shortage of causes to support, making it hard for one nonprofit or charity to stand out. Nonprofits can turn to brands to bridge that awareness gap and create a richer story.
- Charities and nonprofits can turn to new resources to drive awareness and donations. Brands and nonprofits can leverage the convenience of Venmo for donating to verified charities, and round-up apps that add spare change to savings could partner with brands to offer rewards and discounts in exchange for donating that spare change to charities.
- Emerging technology will reshape the voice of the consumer. While NFTs currently remain in infancy with no clear purpose, they are starting to be utilized as assets that turn customers into investors of a brand. This provides them with direct oversight for how the brand operates, which could translate into determining the charitable components of the brand as well.
Future market trends in attitudes toward nonprofits
As consumers tighten where and how they can spend, they will look to make the most of every dollar they spend with expectations that the money they spend on various brands will push forward a wide range of ethical commitments.
Read on to discover more about the attitudes toward nonprofits consumer market, read our Evolving Role of Activism – US – 2022, or take a look at our other All Industries research reports.
Quickly understand nonprofit marketing
- Causes consumers have supported in the past year.
- Methods for supporting nonprofits and charities.
- Motivations for supporting various causes.
- The role brands play in collaborating with nonprofits and reaching consumers.
- The impact of inflation and how it’s shaping the funds consumers have available to donate.
Covered in this nonprofit marketing report
Brands include: Ridwell, Patagonia, DeStore, Beyond Plastic, Liquid Death, Round Up and Donate, Walmart, Bumble, Venmo, BoldKing, Everlane.
Expert analysis from a specialist in nonprofit marketing research
This report, written by Carol Wong-Li, a leading analyst in the Lifestyles and Leisure sector, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.
The relationship between brands and nonprofits continues to strengthen as consumers seek out brands with ethical missions. Consumers are aware of the significant need that exists, but inflation and economic uncertainty is leaving them with a smaller pool of funds to donate. While brands often are forced to prove their purpose and values, nonprofits are laser-focused on a specific mission and cause. As brands and nonprofits develop a more interconnected relationship, they can learn from one another’s strengths with a focus on building community and awareness for overwhelmed consumers.

Carol Wong-Li
Director, Consumers and Cultures