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2025 Pulse of
Donor Relations Survey

Your voice matters. Take the 2025 Pulse of Donor Relations Survey—the only study of its kind tracking real-time trends and best practices in our profession.

Help Shape the Future of Our Profession


2025 marks the 7th edition of the Pulse of Donor Relations Survey. What started as a simple effort to better understand the evolving role of donor relations has grown into the industry’s go-to benchmarking tool.


Thanks to professionals like you, the Pulse has uncovered fading practices like donor honor rolls and all-call events, highlighted emerging trends in digital engagement and personalization, and helped countless organizations advocate for resources, staff, and change. You can view the 2023 report here.

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We’ve come this far because of your contributions—and we can’t go forward without them.

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A Comprehensive Look at the State of Our Industry


The 2025 survey digs into the most critical areas of donor relations today, including:
 

  • Your organization, department structure, salary, and role

  • Acknowledgment practices

  • Recognition trends

  • Impact and fund reporting

  • Donor events

  • Engagement strategies

  • The use of AI in our work

  • And much more! 
     

As always, the survey is evolving to reflect what’s happening right now in our field—so we can all make informed, data-backed decisions.​

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What You’ll Get From Participating


The survey takes about 15 minutes—and your insights make a huge impact. In return, here’s what you’ll receive:
 

  • A free copy of the 2025 Pulse of Donor Relations Survey Report

  • An exclusive whitepaper with key insights and takeaways

  • Automatic entry to win a free subscription to our 2026 Webinar Series (a $1,150+ value!)


     

Join a Community of Changemakers


In 2023, over 600 donor relations professionals participated. Their input fueled meaningful conversations and real change across the sector.

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This year, we invite you to join that growing movement—add your voice to the mix, advocate for what matters, and help us all do better work for our donors.

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Celebrating 15 Years of Progress


As we mark our 15th year of serving fundraising and donor relations professionals at DRG, we’re reflecting on just how far we’ve come—together. This survey has been more than a data project. It’s been a mirror, a compass, and a rallying point for donor relations professionals navigating change.

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To everyone who’s participated: thank you. You’ve shaped the way we steward, recognize, report, and engage. We can’t wait to see what we’ll learn next—with your help.

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