Why Canadian charities are heading into a rough season—and what to do instead
by Erin Horrocks-Pope, East Valley
November 09, 2025
As the holiday giving season approaches, many Canadian nonprofits and charities are heading into 2025 with one hand tied behind their back. It’s been a difficult year—and unless you reposition now, you’ll risk missing out when people are ready to give.
What changed this year
Multiple sector-wide reports show the gravity of the situation:
In the Status of Canadian Fundraising 2025 report, 89% of charities cited the current economic situation as their biggest challenge. Ontario Nonprofit Network
Another survey found 88% of Canadian charities flagged financial uncertainty as a major concern in early 2025, up from 82% the year before. Carleton University
The Giving Report 2025 shows fewer Canadians are making donations, while demand for services is increasing. CanadaHelps
So what exactly does that mean for you going into holiday fundraising?
Three big pressure points
Donor fatigue + fewer new givers
Fewer Canadians are giving this year—or at least fewer are giving new or increased amounts. That makes your existing donor base more critical than ever.Higher costs, tighter budgets
Inflation, staffing shortages, and rising operational costs mean charities are trying to do more with less. When your behind-the-scenes systems don’t keep up, impact suffers.Competitive giving season
With more causes vying for attention at year-end, you need to cut through the noise. Clear messaging and streamlined processes aren’t optional anymore—they’re key.
What to do instead — three concrete moves
Move 1: Tighten your story
If donors skim your website or ask, “why should I give now?” — and get a slow or unclear answer — you’ve already lost momentum. Start with one crisp sentence that explains your impact and who benefits. Then test it in your holiday appeals.
Move 2: Simplify the experience
High barriers = fewer gifts. Make giving easy, fast, and obvious. Ensure your donation tools, acknowledgement process, and campaign follow-up are streamlined and mobile-friendly.
Move 3: Prioritise your internal workflow
Strong external appeals mean nothing without robust internal systems. Use this slower period to audit where you lose time or clarity—whether it’s communications between teams, data systems, or campaign workflows. When the giving window opens, you’ll be ready.
Why your workflow matters more than you think
When your backend systems are messy, your team burns out, your messaging splinters, and your donors feel it—even if they don’t know exactly why. A strong holiday campaign doesn’t just need heart; it needs precision.
That’s where clarity meets impact. By aligning how you operate and how you communicate, you place your charity in a stronger position—not just for this holiday season but for every season ahead.
Final thought
2025 may be tougher than most—but it’s also an opportunity. If you step out ahead of the crowd with clear messaging, smooth systems and a simple donor journey, you’ll be the organisation that stands out when support is harder to earn.
Need help tightening your story, streamlining your workflow or building a holiday fundraising blueprint? Let’s talk.
