Human services organizations faced rising demand and heightened public funding pressure in 2025 while continuing to sustain fundraising growth. Leaders responded to immediate community needs even as they worked to strengthen long-term donor relationships.
Of 618 organizations participating in the 2026 Philanthropy Pulse survey in late 2025, 130 self-identified as belonging to the Human Services sector. Their responses provide insight into how organizations are balancing urgent appeals, donor retention, and shifting government funding expectations while positioning for greater stability in the year ahead.
Here are three key themes that emerged from the Human Services sector responses:
1. Fundraising Communications and Donor Engagement
Human services organizations continued to respond to episodic giving by adjusting how they communicate with donors. A larger share prioritized immediate fundraising for specific needs, rising to 24% from 19% the prior year. At the same time, more organizations developed strategies to strengthen long-term donor engagement, increasing to 20% from 12%.
Fewer organizations emphasized adjusted communications focused on general ongoing needs, which declined from 26% to 17%. Together, these shifts suggest that organizations are pairing urgent appeals with more intentional relationship-building rather than relying on broad ongoing messaging alone.
2. Funding Sources, Public Support, and Exposure
Government policy shifts had a measurable impact on the sector, with 58% of human services organizations reporting negative effects on fundraising. Many leaders anticipate decreases in federal (53%) and state or regional funding (40%) in the year ahead.
As public funding expectations shift, organizations are looking to private philanthropy to drive growth. Major gifts and foundation support top the list of anticipated increases.
At the same time, most organizations continue to rely primarily on cash giving. Two-thirds report that noncash assets account for 20% or less of total giving, and nearly half say donor-advised funds represent no more than 10%.
3. Acquisition Trends and Retention Challenges
Rising service demand and shifting public funding did not prevent revenue growth in 2025. Revenue increased for 58% of human services organizations, and 53% expanded their donor base. As needs grew in areas such as food assistance (59%) and housing support (55%), many organizations successfully attracted new supporters.
However, retention tells a different story. Just 20% of organizations retain 45% or more of donors acquired over the past three years. While organizations are bringing new donors into the fold, strengthening long-term relationships will be essential to sustaining fundraising stability.
Explore the 2026 Philanthropy Pulse Human Services Sector Spotlight
These findings highlight the key dynamics shaping human services fundraising this year. The Human Services Sector Spotlight provides additional context on government policy impacts, areas of rising service demand, board fundraising participation, and the use of technology and AI. It also outlines expectations for key revenue streams—factors influencing how organizations are planning for the year ahead.