Policy changes

In advance of changes to U.S. tax policy that will go into effect in 2026, high-net-worth donors and corporations may reconsider their 2025 charitable giving strategies. The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ which passed in July introduces a 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) floor on individual charitable deductions (ie itemizers must donate 0.5% of their AGI before the charitable deduction kicks in) and a 1% of income floor for corporations starting next year.

While there’s debate about how significant the impact will be—especially since corporate giving already averages 1.1% of income—some experts suggest we may see an uptick in major gifts in 2025 as donors act before the new rules take effect.

Actions

Now may be the right time to:

• Engage your US major donors in conversations about their year-end giving
• Review your US donor strategies in light of upcoming changes
• Prepare for a potential shift in giving patterns from US major donors and corporations

Read the full article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Philanthropy in America

Though the reductions in US Federal funding have made news in recent months, it’s important to remember that philanthropy in America comes from many other sources. The latest Giving USA report, which provides an annual analysis of philanthropic giving in America, shows a 3.3% increase in charitable giving for 2024, with donations totalling US$593 billion.

Insights from Heather Hill

Heather Hill, CNM, CFRE, Head of International Fundraising for Chapel & York shares her thoughts: ‘If you’re fundraising in the US, you should take note that giving from individuals and corporations increased and foundation giving held steady. Furthermore, all causes saw an increase in support, with the exception being religious causes which decreased by 1% but still remains the leading recipient.’

Opportunities for international fundraisers

What does this mean for your international fundraising from America? There are still abundant opportunities to secure support for your mission. Be sure your organisation’s case for support is current and compelling, research your prospects to better understand their charitable priorities and motivations, and thoughtfully steward relationships.

We know that with all the information floating around in the media about the situation in the US, there are concerns about what may/might/could happen going forwards. Whilst we will not engage in any speculation we can clarify what, as of today, is the position, and what, if you or your stakeholders have concerns, you may want to look at doing regarding your US engagement. The overall message from us though is DO NOT PANIC.

The Current Situation

There has been no suggestion that 501(c)(3) status for the nearly 1.5 million 501(c)(3) organisations will be terminated. There has also been no suggestion that tax deductibility of donations to those organisations will be terminated. These would require administrative procedures. Up to now the focus has been on Federal (US Government) funding for activities with which the Administration does not agree such as DEI (Diversity Equality Inclusion) and Climate Change, the use of Federal funds and US international aid.

There are legal limitations as to what a US President can do and unilaterally terminating 501(c)(3) status is not in his legal remit. Executive Orders have been legally challenged and are with the courts to make further determinations.

Actions

If you and/or your stakeholders are concerned about the way things are moving in the USA, we can make the following suggestions for some small actions you can take:

1. Ensure you make any grants now rather than waiting so that could mean either through a Unanimous Written Consent or a Board Meeting
2. Speak to donors about accelerating any donations, particularly large ones.
3. Review the programmes for which you are seeking funds and perhaps moving from any DEI, Climate Change or similar activities which might be targeted.

We are constantly reviewing the situation and our extremely connected and involved Head of International Philanthropy, Heather Hill, is serving as the Coordinator for monitoring this. She is always available to you, as indeed am I to answer questions.

We wish you all the best.
Kind regards,
Nancy Bikson

Did you know that 2024 marked the “peak 65” year for baby boomers, with the largest number of them reaching retirement age? By 2025, the majority of baby boomers will be between 61 and 69 years old, presenting unique opportunities for fundraisers.

While traditional planned giving strategies have been a focus, our US Foundation Executive Director Kevin Smith‘s insightful article highlights the potential of engaging this generation with impactful options like donations from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), and Appreciated Securities. These avenues enable charities to connect with Boomers now, tapping into their desire to make a difference during their lifetime, while aligning with their financial goals.

Are these strategies part of your global fundraising plan? If not, you might be missing out on a significant opportunity to engage with one of the most philanthropic generations.

How is your organisation adapting its international fundraising strategies to better engage with baby boomers?

Read Kevin’s Full Article

Our US Planned Giving Toolkit is your comprehensive guide to a successful campaign, bursting with expert guidance, strategies, hints and tips as well as over 30 customisable templates for emails, web, and social media content.

And at just £1500, our toolkit offers a cost-effective alternative to costly consultants or lengthy courses. (Current client? Email us for your exclusive discount code!)

Perfect for both seasoned fundraisers and newcomers, our toolkit will empower your team with the tools to unlock the immense potential of planned giving in the US.

Download our toolkit today.

Th Lookback Reports

GivingTuesday is a global movement, spanning 90 countries, and so we are always eager to read its annual lookback report which includes valuable insights about philanthropy around the world. This year has been no exception.

Including data across 3 of our Foundation countries – the UK, US and Canada – it is heartening to see that over 40% of those surveyed say they could have given more, and over 40% of recurring donors plan to give more next year!

However, the report also sends a message to non profits that donations from large donors may be declining which highlights the importance of a more diverse donor base moving forwards.

Engaging with a broader audience means inviting all kinds of people into a support ecosystem—whether as donors, volunteers, or advocates—within and across borders.

Read The Full Report

Read the lookback report with the button below.

“That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you have understood all your life, but in a new way”
Doris Lessing, author

Commitment to Professional Development

At Chapel & York, we see ongoing professional development as a non-negotiable aspect for every fundraiser and nonprofit professional who aspires to create a significant global impact. That’s why we stretch beyond the ordinary to offer regular webinars and training sessions on International Fundraising to both our clients and non clients alike.

Partnering with Freedom Friday

We are also extremely proud of our partnership with Freedom Friday, a movement that shares our passion for impactful learning. Their dedication to enhancing the learning journey of fundraisers and nonprofit professionals resonates with our ethos, making this collaboration not just significant, but inspiring too.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Indeed, our own Nancy Bikson and Heather Hill, CNM, CFRE recently conducted a session for Freedom Friday on “Demystifying International Fundraising”. It was a great opportunity to delve into the complexities and nuances of fundraising on a global scale, providing valuable insights and fostering meaningful discussions among participants.

Sign the pledge form

Sign the Freedom Friday pledge today and become part of a community that not only values professional development, but thrives on it.

We are delighted to announce the winners of our inaugural Chapel & York International Fundraising Awards 2024.

The category winners are:

1. Education – INSEAD
2. Arts and Culture – The Walk Productions (Little Amal)
3. Charities with International remit/support – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
4. Organisations new to International Fundraising – Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa (ICAPA)
5. Organisations who have undertaken a specific International programme – École Pratique des Hautes Études
6. Founders award – Daniel McDiarmid

View winners here

Huge congratulations to them all and more information on their wins can be found on our dedicated award winners page.

AI for International Fundraising

International fundraising can be a time-consuming and challenging endeavour for non-profit organisations, especially those with limited resources. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, it is also becoming increasingly integrated into the fundraising landscape. While AI tools can save time and increase productivity in the international fundraising process, it is crucial to ensure that they align with ethical fundraising principles. In this article, we explore the benefits of AI tools in cross-border fundraising and how to ethically harness them to achieve effective results.

Game-Changing Potential

AI is not just a buzzword anymore; it’s a potential game-changer for fundraisers worldwide. With tools to help you craft the perfect appeal letter in record time, analyse donor patterns and interactions, suggest personalised communication strategies, assist in the grant-seeking process and helping universities to update alumni databases, AI offers ways to save time and increase efficiency.

However, adopting AI isn’t without its challenges. It’s crucial to remember that human oversight and adherence to ethical fundraising principles are vital. Stay informed about fundraising regulations and ethical guidelines to ensure AI doesn’t overstep its boundaries. Be aware of how data about your organisation and your donors is leveraged and shared. Consider how AI tools are being leveraged and be willing to ask questions about those uses and their implications. While AI continues to evolve rapidly, fundraisers must maintain a deep understanding of ethical practices and regulations.

Striking a Balance

AI has the potential to make cross-border fundraising more accessible, providing organisations with the tools they need to achieve their goals effectively and efficiently. By leveraging AI, fundraisers can make data-driven decisions and enhance donor engagement like never before. But remember, ethical practices and human oversight are paramount. Striking a balance between AI tools and ethical fundraising principles is the key to unlocking the full potential of this innovative technology.

Share Your AI Fundraising Experiences

How have you used AI so far in your international fundraising? Do you agree that it has potential for international fundraising efforts?

North America

The last three days of December are significant for charities in North America, as it’s a time when donors feel especially generous and eager to maximise their tax benefits. In fact, these three days are responsible for generating 12% of gifts for charities in a year! As the year is coming to an end, are you ready to harness the generosity of donors and boost your charity’s fundraising?

In our latest article, our team of international fundraising experts have collated their 4 top tips.

Tip #1: Designate a Small Team

The first thing you should do is to designate someone or a small team to focus solely on the last days of giving. The team should include a fundraiser who can create effective campaigns and an IT team member who can ensure your website can handle traffic spikes. This team will be responsible for planning and executing campaigns, monitoring the website, and making necessary changes as needed. This way, your charity will be ready to handle the influx of donors in the last days of December.

Tip #2: Plan Your Email Blast Sequence

One of the most effective ways to connect with donors in the last days of giving is through email. You should plan a sequence of email blasts to go out on December 29th, 30th, and 31st, reminding donors to make their final donation of the year. Your emails should include a clear message and call-to-action, emphasizing the urgency and impact of their donation. Don’t forget to personalize your emails and make them visually appealing to capture your donors’ attention. There are more great tips for your emails at

Tip #3: Have a Plan for Thank You and Stewardship Follow-Up

Once the donation is received, it’s crucial to show your appreciation and build a relationship with your donors. That’s why having a plan for thank you and stewardship follow-up is essential. Thanking your donors promptly and appropriately is crucial to building a lasting relationship with them. You should also have a plan in place to continue engaging with them through newsletters, updates, and events throughout the year.

Tip #4: Plan a Conversion Journey

Last but not least, you should have a plan in place to convert your current and new donors. A conversion journey is a sequence of actions aimed at nurturing prospects and turning them into loyal donors. You can start by segmenting your donors and crafting tailored communication strategies for each group. A conversion journey should include personalised follow-up, compelling storytelling, and clear calls-to-action.

Conclusion

The last three days of giving can be a game-changer for your charity’s fundraising if you approach them with a solid strategy in place. Designating a team, planning email blasts, having a plan for thank you and stewardship follow-up, and planning a conversion journey are just a few tips to get you started. Your donors are ready to give, so let’s make sure your charity is ready to receive and turn those year-end donations into long-term relationships.