2023 Philanthropic Landscape

For the past 12 years, CCS’s Philanthropic Landscape reports have compiled and analyzed data from Giving USA and other leading industry sources to reveal an accurate, laser-focused look at the current state of philanthropy in the US.

The cover page of the 2023 Philanthropic Landscape report displaying on a laptop computer.

In addition to examining 2022’s philanthropic trends in the individual, high net worth, foundation, corporate, digital, and gift planning spaces, the 2023 Philanthropic Landscape report also investigates emerging innovations in AI and data for philanthropy.

This 12th edition report answers questions like:

  • How much did American donors give to charity in 2022?
  • What giving methods are disrupting the philanthropic sector?
  • How are organizations looking to integrate DEI from the inside out?
  • What data innovations can a nonprofit use to effectively engage and retain donors?

Set your organization up for success in the year ahead by downloading your copy of the report today.

In this year’s report, we include a new chapter, ‘Innovations in Data and Technology for Philanthropy,’ which closely examines the dynamic world of data, analytics, and the emerging impact of artificial intelligence. Particularly, we offer greater insight on how data, analytics, and AI intersect in our increasingly technology-reliant world and how they will continue to impact our philanthropic ecosystem.

Lindsay Marciniak, CCS Managing Director and Report Co-Chair
A profile picture of Lindsay Marciniak
A profile picture of Ruyi Lu.

While the current philanthropic landscape is nuanced and complex, we’ve seen in our work with client partners that motivated donors will continue rising to the occasion with their giving, and nonprofit organizations will continue expanding their reach and making an impact in the communities they serve. It is an exciting time to be part of the advancements bettering our world.

Ruyi Lu, CCS Senior Vice President and Report Co-Chair

PHILANTHROPIC LANDSCAPE ARCHIVE

See all our Philanthropic Landscape reports throughout the years.

How can we help you?

CCS offers an array of services to help nonprofits grow their fundraising.

An iPad showing the front cover of CCS's August 2023

Raising philanthropic funds for endowments is crucial for the financial stability of educational institutions in today’s challenging economic and demographic landscape. This white paper will offer step-by-step information on how to:

  • Craft a compelling case for support that emphasizes the institution’s mission, priorities, and the impact of donations
  • Establish strong donor relationships through regular updates, engagement opportunities, and recognition
  • Invest wisely in educational endowments to weather market fluctuations and ensure consistent returns
  • Collaborate with development professionals and experts
  • Partner with experienced investment professionals and financial advisors to navigate long-term investments

Download this resource today to inform the launch and health of your school’s endowment.

Ackowledgements: We thank our thought partners, Koda Capital, for their partnership on co-creating the original version of this whitepaper for the Australian market.

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This innovative report provides statistical insights to show the power of planned gifts, the role of planned gifts in campaigns, and guidance for projecting planned gifts based on realization data.

The State of Planned Giving in Fundraising report grew out of a desire and need to answer questions from our nonprofit partners about legacy giving. It compiles data from multiple projects conducted by CCS Fundraising’s Gift Planning Practice Group, including two surveys of 600 nonprofits about legacy giving, and draws on key research from Giving USA, Dr. Russell James, and other sources. Key findings include:

  • Legacy gifts comprised more than 16% of overall fundraising and 11% of campaigns.
  • The average legacy gift is significantly more than the average annual gift.
  • Unknown legacy gifts are likely of considerable value.
  • No clear relationship exists between legacy gift revenue and endowment size.
  • Legacy societies are underutilized as a powerful donor acquisition and retention tool.

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2023 Philanthropic Landscape, 12th Edition

August 29th, 2023

Featuring essential philanthropic research from all major sources in the industry, this exclusive report examines key themes in American philanthropy and the latest data on giving by US individuals, foundations, and corporations.

The front cover of the March 2023

For many school foundations and university councils, generating endowment capital is a top priority. Although there is a popular misconception that endowment funds are harder to raise than capital project funds due to the lack of tangible outcomes, endowments have long-term, positive effects on organizational programs and the people they serve.

While Australian fundraisers do face challenges in raising endowments, the education sector has seen success. Australian fundraisers can build upon this success by adopting the right mindset, dedicating resources, and utilizing best practice strategies.


CCS Fundraising is a strategic fundraising firm that partners with nonprofits around the world for transformational change.

Koda Capital is an independent investment governance advisor and endowment portfolio manager advising Australian secondary and tertiary education institutions.

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The 2022 CCS Philanthropy Pulse survey report provides a window into the fundraising practices of almost 900 organizations based on data collected in late 2021. Check out both our main report and sector-specific spotlights for Arts & Culture, Health, Higher Education, Human Services, Independent Schools, and Religion below.

CCS Philanthropy Pulse 2022 Report Cover

2022 CCS Philanthropy Pulse SECTOR SPOTLIGHT REPORTS

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CCS Philanthropy Pulse

February 16, 2023

CCS’s annual Philanthropy Pulse report provides nonprofits with helpful data to navigate the ever-evolving philanthropic space.

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2023 Philanthropic Landscape, 12th Edition

August 29th, 2023

Featuring essential philanthropic research from all major sources in the industry, this exclusive report examines key themes in American philanthropy and the latest data on giving by US individuals, foundations, and corporations.

Interested in our services?

CCS turns insights into actions, challenges into opportunities, and fundraising goals into mission impact.

A graphic of the front cover of the 2023 Pulse Survey displayed on a tablet.

The 2023 CCS Philanthropy Pulse report provides a window into the fundraising practices of nearly 1,200 organizations across nonprofit sectors based on data collected in late 2022. Key findings include:

  • Organizations across the board experienced fundraising revenue growth in FY21, regardless of their size or budget.
  • Although 62% of organizations saw an increase in donors in FY21, donor retention remained a top challenge, with only 36% of organizations reporting new donor retention.
  • Organizations that invested in hiring and retaining staff exhibited more fundraising revenue growth in FY21.
  • DEI continues to be a driving fundraising strategy focus, as organizations that invested in DEI saw greater growth than those that did not.

Check out both our main report and sector-specific spotlights for Arts & Culture, Health, Higher Education, Human Services, Primary & Secondary Schools, and Faith below.

As the premier global leader in nonprofit strategic consulting, CCS is committed to understanding how nonprofits are navigating the ever-evolving philanthropic landscape and how organizations can best position themselves for fundraising success.

It is CCS’s hope that this report provides nonprofit leaders and fundraisers with helpful data to navigate the year ahead.

SECTOR SPOTLIGHT REPORTS

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August 29th, 2023

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Philanthropy Pulse Report Library

February 16, 2023

Discover CCS’s first edition of the Philanthropy Pulse report from 2022.

How can we help you?

Our unique, customized approach can provide your organization with of-the-moment, sustainable solutions.

New York, NY (May 22, 2022) – Today, CCS Fundraising, the world’s leading fundraising consulting firm, announced a series of transitions within its Executive Leadership Team.

The firm announced the retirement of outgoing Chairman Bob Kissane who has been crucial to the success of innumerable philanthropic and development projects for over 40 years. Bob will continue to support CCS and its clients in an advisory capacity for the foreseeable future.

Rick Happy will become Chairman of CCS Fundraising. Rick has been with the firm for over three decades and has established himself as a philanthropic leader in the U.S. and abroad. Rick will continue to lead the firm’s work throughout the Western United States.

“I want to thank Bob for his incredible service to the firm for over 40 years, and his pivotal role in its strategic evolution over that period. I wish him a happy and well-deserved retirement,” said Rick Happy, incoming CCS Chairman. “These last three decades, it has been an honor to serve our incredible clients and I’m looking forward to continuing that work as well as the exciting challenges ahead in my added capacity as Chairman.

Jon Kane, who has served as President of CCS since 2016, will become President & CEO. Jon Kane brings over 25 years of expertise in business, management, and strategic consulting, and deep pride in CCS’ work and commitment to its clients to his new role.

Tom Kissane and Robert (“Bo”) Rice, Principal & Managing Directors with over 30 years each with CCS, and leaders in the sector, are taking on the additional title of Vice-Chairmen.

The firm also announced the elevation of Sarah Krasin and Edward Van Saders to the role of Partner. Sarah leads the firm’s Boston office and has been instrumental in growing CCS’ presence and client partnerships across the New England region. Edward Van Saders is the firm’s Chief Financial Officer and has over 30 years of leadership experience. Sarah and Edward join a partnership comprised of 25 leaders in the philanthropic sector.

“I’m delighted to welcome Sarah Krasin and Edward Van Saders to our esteemed group of CCS partners, and to be expanding our leadership team overall,” said Jon Kane, CEO & President. “Both Sarah and Edward have been instrumental in the firm’s development, and their expertise and immense knowledge of the nonprofit sector will continue to be incredible assets as we look toward the firm’s growth in the future.”


About CCS Fundraising

CCS Fundraising is a strategic consulting firm that has partnered with nonprofits for transformational change for 75 years. CCS Fundraising provides a wide range of services that support and strengthen nonprofit fundraising programs, including campaign management, strategic planning, data analytics, and major gift strategy. The firm’s experts, skilled in campaign and development strategy, work closely with organizations of all sizes across nonprofit sectors and geographies.

Our latest infographic provides a review of CCS’s recent activities by the numbers.

If you have any questions about this publication or about CCS in general, please contact info@ccsfundraising.com.

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