Hosted by: Leya Simmons
CEO and Co-Founder, BetterUnite
In this inspiring session, Leya Simmons opens with her trademark warmth and energy, welcoming attendees to a timely conversation on donor behavior, major gifts, and the just-released Giving USA 2025 report. Alongside her guest, Leya brings actionable insights to light for nonprofit professionals navigating today’s giving climate.
Featuring: Gail Perry
Founder & President, Gail Perry Group
Gail Perry, nationally renowned fundraising strategist and eternal optimist, joins the webinar with her signature joy, clarity, and decades of experience. From capital campaigns to donor retention, Gail delivers powerful guidance to help nonprofits thrive, especially in uncertain times.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
Giving is Still Going Strong
Gail and Leya break down the latest Giving USA numbers, revealing that charitable giving in 2024 reached a record high of $592.5 billion. Despite economic uncertainty and inflation, Americans continue to give generously—especially when inspired and engaged meaningfully.
Major Donors Are Ready, Are You?
One of Gail’s strongest messages: don’t let fear hold you back. Major donors are not hesitating, they’re eager to give. Fundraisers must get confident in having direct, one-on-one conversations, especially with donors who have the passion and capacity to make transformational gifts.
Authenticity is Your Superpower
Across generations, platforms, and communication styles, authenticity wins. Whether you’re reaching Boomers through email or Gen Z on Instagram, honest storytelling and joyful messaging drive deeper engagement and loyalty.
Fundraising is Infrastructure, Not Overhead
Gail reframes how nonprofits should think about investing in fundraising. Infrastructure, your people, your technology, your systems, isn’t overhead. It’s the engine that allows you to scale your mission and weather unpredictable funding shifts.
Planned Giving & DAFs: Get in the Mix
There’s a massive intergenerational wealth transfer on the horizon, estimated at $70 trillion. Gail urges nonprofits to embed planned giving language throughout all donor touch points. She also shares strategies to build stronger relationships with donor-advised fund (DAF) holders despite their perceived anonymity.
This webinar is a must-watch for anyone leading fundraising efforts in 2025.
Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or just getting your feet wet, Gail Perry offers optimism without fluff, strategy with heart, and a clear path toward growth, even in a shifting donor landscape.
