By Gail Perry, President & Founder of Gail Perry Group

 

 

 

You may be thinking… how do I bring Giving USA data to life for my board members?

You’re in the boardroom. You’ve got the latest Giving USA report in hand. Charts ready. Statistics memorized.

You launch into your presentation about billions of dollars and percentage points. And then you see it… that glazed-over look.

Sound familiar?

Your board doesn’t need another data dump. They need to know what this information means for them, for your organization, and for the transformational gifts they can help secure.

You can guide this conversation in a new direction that sparks curiosity, builds connection, and inspires action.

 

1. Make it about Real Connections, Not Statistics

When you present the latest Giving USA findings, start with a donor story. Share what’s possible. Then let the data prove your point, not make it.

Here’s an example:

Earlier this year, an alum from the class of ’98, someone who hadn’t given since their senior year, made a $100,000 unrestricted gift.

There were no naming rights, no conditions, just a wonderful expression of belief and confidence in the organization.

“I see where the university is headed,” the alum said. “You’re building something I want to be part of.”

That conversation took place in early 2024. And there are many more stories like this unfolding every day.

According to Giving USA 2025, giving to education jumped 13.2% last year, reaching an all-time high of $88.3 billion.

But the real takeaway?

Donors aren’t just responding to glossy campaigns or old loyalties. They’re responding to vision. To momentum. To organizations that are clear about what they stand for – and bold about where they’re going. How can we continue to be bold?

Remember: always start with the story. Not with the spreadsheet.

 

2. Understand What Your Board Members Are Really Thinking

You’ll find that Giving USA data can be a powerful tool, especially when you use it to answer the questions already on your board members’ minds.

Remember, fundraising may feel familiar to you, but for many board members, this is new territory.

Many trustees don’t really understand what it takes for successful fundraising, so this is a wonderful opportunity for you to educate them about your own program.

Here are the questions they may be thinking — and how you can respond:

“Are people even giving anymore?”

Yes. Donors are giving more. In fact, donors gave more than they have in years.

In 2024, Americans gave $592.5 billion to charity: that’s a 6.3% increase over the previous year.

That includes the highest level of individual giving in current dollars: $392.45 billion.

Loyal, committed donors are showing up. Especially when they believe in where you’re headed.

“What about our supporters? Are they ready to keep supporting us?”

Many are.

Some donors may have gone quiet over the past few years, but that doesn’t mean they have lost interest.

Giving USA tells us that many sectors that saw dips in 2023 came roaring back in 2024.

So, board members need to know that your donors may be very ready to re-engage.

The question isn’t whether they’ll give. It’s how you and your team can inspire them with an opportunity they’ll want to support.

[Insert board member name], can you help with this?

“Should we be asking for bigger gifts?”

Yes — but not for the sake of size.

The opportunity isn’t in pushing harder. It’s about inviting supporters to be part of something they can believe in.

In 2024, mega gifts made up just 3% of individual giving.

This means that the vast majority of dollars came from donors moved by mission, not headlines.

The most financial growth came from nonprofit organizations that led with purpose, shared their vision with heart, and made it easy for donors to say yes.

 

3. Turn the Giving USA Data into Real Donor Conversations

Rather than overwhelming your board with statistics from Giving USA, give them conversation starters:

Education giving rose 13.2%? Tell them: “Donors are investing in the future again. What story can we share about our impact on the next generation?”

Arts and culture rebounded nearly 10%? Frame it this way: “Our supporters are ready to dream again. What vision can we share that will truly speak to them?”

Overall, giving grew even after adjusting for inflation? Try this: “What special moment or experience from this year would convince someone that we’re the organization to believe in?”

 

Bottom Line

At the Gail Perry Group, we’re passionate about helping you turn those boardroom moments from glazed-over stares into genuine excitement about what’s possible.

We see it happen every day.

We’re honored to help our clients spark these kinds of conversations. And inspire transformational gifts.

We bring decades of experience guiding successful campaigns and major gift initiatives.

Our approach? A blend of strategy, deep sector expertise, and the kind of positive energy that rallies teams, boards, and donors around bold visions.

Here’s to helping you and your board lead conversations that inspire generosity.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, send us an email at [email protected].