As we look ahead to the new year, we must not forget to look back: 2023 was officially the world’s warmest year on record. Climate change has become a critical issue around the globe. In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations lays out a plan of action for “people, planet, and prosperity.” A key pillar of the plan is to protect the planet from degradation through sustainable consumption and production and to support the needs of present and future generations.
Here in the UK, the Office for National Statistics reports that approximately three-fourths of adults are worried about the impact of climate change, second only to concerns about the cost-of-living crisis. Around the world, we see an increased focus on environmental sustainability. This includes the actions we take and the products we purchase and use. It also includes the ways in which charities engage and retain donors. Your supporters need to know how you’re adopting environmentally friendly practices, from your policies and programs to the products you offer.
In this post, we illuminate how environmental consciousness will shape fundraising in the year ahead. We also share several sustainable giving trends that your charity can adopt in 2025 to demonstrate your values and, in turn, drive donations.
The Rise of Environmental Awareness Amongst Supporters
People are not only worried about the environment—one report suggests that global support for environmental activism has increased tenfold—they’re also taking action. According to the Office for National Statistics, 75 percent of people have made significant lifestyle changes to help tackle climate change.
This lifestyle change includes shifting donor motivations. In one survey, a quarter of all charities had been asked by individual donors and funders about the organisation’s environmental practices. Donors have choices, and they’re seeking to support charities that align with their own sustainability values.
Your supporters will want to know where and how their donations will be used. They care about the social and environmental impact of their donations, whether it’s a financial donation or a gift of time or goods. The concept of sustainable giving means providing clear and compelling information to your supporters to help them make conscious, values-driven choices when it comes to giving.
Emerging Trends in Sustainable Giving for 2025
Given the rise of environmental awareness, it’s no surprise that donors seek out eco-conscious charities. Global support for environmental charities has increased nearly 10 percent in recent years! Yet, you don’t have to be an environmental organisation specifically to demonstrate your values and maximise your fundraising. Here are a few trends you can tap into in the year ahead.
- Plan a green campaign: Incorporate an environmental action into your 2025 mission or projects. Mental health charities, disaster relief organisations, or causes related to young people, animal welfare, or medical research can—and should—demonstrate how you’re helping to protect the planet. For example, you might plan a beach clean in which participants raise money for every bag of trash collected, with the proceeds going to youth mental health services.
- Eco-friendly fundraising events: Consider the impact of your planned fundraising activities. Could a virtual event reduce the need for people to travel in petrol-fueled cars? Could you shift to a “green” mini-marathon in which you only provide beverages in reusable bottles and in which participants receive an eco–friendly merchandise kit with custom recycled event wear?
- Ethical merchandise: Concerns around environmental sustainability includes how and where products are produced. Adopt eco–friendly alternatives to your 2025 merchandise line, such as branded bio-plastic badges that are entirely biodegradable and made from corn starch, sugar cane, and castor oil. Or try a custom recycled bottle pen, made of recycled PET from plastic water bottles. You can search for more eco-friendly ideas here.
- Carbon-neutral donations: Implement a program that allows your donors to offset their carbon footprint through contributions. For example, the Woodland Trust runs a “personal carbon” campaign showing how every £100 donated helps the charity care for enough woodland to capture and store around four tonnes of carbon. You can also order charitable merchandise through Rocket Charities and communicate to your supporters that you’re partnering with a Climate Positive Company!
The new year is a time to show appreciation and love for others, including the planet we all call home. In 2025, focus on sustainable giving and demonstrate your commitment to environmental awareness and impact. We’d love to help you! For more tips and guidance, download The Charity’s Guide to Ethical Sourcing. Then, reach out to our team anytime to share your ideas for eco-friendly practices and products. Together, and in the words of the United Nations, we can do it for our “people, planet, and prosperity”. Happy holidays!