Login
Login

What fundraisers are wishing for in 2026

Fundraisers are already dreaming about what 2026 could look like—and many of their wishes are strikingly aligned. This blog unpacks the themes shaping the year ahead, with practical ideas and real charity examples showing how those ambitions are already becoming reality.

Recently, our UK team joined Curiousmas, an annual event hosted by Aha and designed to bring fundraisers together to reflect, share challenges, exchange ideas, and think ambitiously about the future. As part of the program, Funraisin hosted a workshop asking fundraising managers one core question:

"What’s on your fundraising wish list?"

It wasn’t a hypothetical exercise—we asked them to dream honestly. What would make their programs stronger? What would remove friction? What would unlock more confidence, clarity, or connection for supporters? 

Across teams and organisation types, the same hopes, challenges, and ambitions appeared again and again. From these conversations, four clear themes emerged that highlight where fundraisers hope to elevate their work next year and what supporters will increasingly expect.  

Making supporters feel seen at every step

add remove

Many teams are looking for supporter experiences that feel more personal and meaningful. The good news? Most already have the signals they need to create that connection, without adding complexity.

Simple ways teams are doing this

• Ask one motivation question at registration

• Share a single personalised stat in the thank-you moment

• Use PURLs with dynamic impact details

Sometimes it’s just one line—“You raised $X” or “You’ve taken part for Y years”—paired with their why. Small touches, big difference in how supported someone feels.

Creative digital touchpoints that touch hearts

add remove

Getting supporters through a flow is one thing. Making it feel memorable is another.

Fundraisers want digital moments that don’t just work—they spark something. Small touches can turn routine steps into experiences supporters actually remember.

Simple ways teams are doing this

You don’t need to rebuild a journey to improve it. Often, one warm, human moment is enough. Small moments, big difference in how a journey feels.

• Add one interactive nudge to the donation form

• Use a progress bar that celebrates momentum

• Include a friendly confirmation or impact note

Engaging the next generation through safe, trusted supporter journeys

add remove

Supporting children, families, and schools came up as a clear priority—fundraisers want journeys that feel inspiring *and* secure. When privacy and protection are built in from the start, caregivers feel reassured and participation becomes easier.

Simple ways teams are doing this

As more young people get involved, parents and teachers want clarity and confidence. Clear permissions, safe defaults, and role-based journeys are now baseline expectations—and they make schools and families far more comfortable joining and returning.

• Limit page creation and personal details to parents or teachers

• Use avatars instead of photos to protect children’s identities

• Choose ambassadors families feel confident supporting

These choices create safer, more welcoming experiences—where kids can participate freely and adults feel genuinely good about backing them.

Bringing supporters together

add remove

One of the strongest themes was the desire to help supporters feel part of something bigger. When charities create shared spaces—where people can see or celebrate each other—the experience becomes richer than any single action.

Simple ways teams are doing this

Shared moments build belonging. When supporters can see themselves reflected in a collective space, fundraising shifts from a solo act to a shared movement.

• A tribute wall

• A digital garden

• A donor message feed

• A team leaderboard

Unwrapping 12 standout charity sites

Unwrap these 12 charity sites—real examples of the hopes, ideas, and ambitions fundraisers shared as they look toward 2026. They bring our four themes to life and show what’s already working—one magic moment at a time.

1
A brave act that stays with supporters—and brings them back
A brave act that stays with supporters—and brings them back
1
World’s Greatest Shave:
Impact Wrapped
2
Impact that feels personal from the very first moment
Impact that feels personal from the very first moment
2
RSPCA Giving Day:
PURLs
3
A gift teams can see, visit, and genuinely feel proud of
A gift teams can see, visit, and genuinely feel proud of
3
FOCUS Ireland:
Sponsor a Star
4
Trust built through joyful, truly kid-first journeys.
Trust built through joyful, truly kid-first journeys.
4
MS Ireland:
MS Readathon
5
Giving made simple—for every generation involved. 
Giving made simple—for every generation involved. 
5
Children’s Cancer Institute:
Donate Your Age
6
Supporters engaged through a voice that feels familiar and real
Supporters engaged through a voice that feels familiar and real
6
We Are Mobilise:
Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge
7
Generosity encouraged right at the moment it matters most.
Generosity encouraged right at the moment it matters most.
7
Sweat With Pride:
Donation nudges
8
Christmas giving designed to feel warm, human, and thoughtful.
Christmas giving designed to feel warm, human, and thoughtful.
8
Alpe d’HuZes (Netherlands)
9
Impact made tangible through meaningful choice
Impact made tangible through meaningful choice
9
Foodbank:
Virtual Food Drive
10
A shared space for remembrance, reflection, and connection.
A shared space for remembrance, reflection, and connection.
10
St Wilfrid’s Hospice:
Lights of Love
11
Momentum sparked by encouragement people didn’t expect
Momentum sparked by encouragement people didn’t expect
11
One Foot Forward:
Random Act of Kindness
12
Collective remembrance that brings people together with hope. 
Collective remembrance that brings people together with hope. 
12
Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association:
In Memory Garden

Explore the wishes and make your own

You can explore the full wish wall to see what fundraisers around the world are hoping for in 2026. Add your own wish and be part of the conversation shaping what comes next.

See the wishes!

Quick checklist: Make it real in 2026

A focused set of low-lift ideas you can test to strengthen supporter experience—without overhauling your program or adding unnecessary complexity.

Let's make your fundraising wishes come true

If you’re wondering how to bring these moments into your own journeys, a quick demo is a great place to start. Let’s make it real—together.

Book a demo arrow_forward