MLX Survey Summary

Nonprofit Marketing Readiness for 2026

Nonprofit Marketing & Engagement Survey

Thank you to everyone who took a few minutes to share your thoughts through the survey. Your responses revealed several common themes and challenges that many nonprofits are facing as they look ahead to 2026. While every organization is unique, it’s clear that many of you are navigating similar questions around alignment, engagement, and making the most of limited resources.

One of the most common areas for improvement is better alignment between marketing, fundraising, and program teams. Many organizations are doing incredible work in their communities, but the connection between that work and how it’s communicated to donors and supporters isn’t always as strong or coordinated as it could be. When those pieces work together, it becomes much easier to tell a compelling story and build stronger relationships with supporters.

There was also a mix of confidence when it comes to current marketing strategies. Some respondents feel somewhat confident in their approach, while others are unsure if their current efforts will support growth over the next few years. That uncertainty is understandable given how quickly the marketing landscape is changing and how many new tools, platforms, and expectations nonprofits are navigating.

Another theme that came through clearly was concern around donor fatigue and engagement. Several participants shared worries about declining engagement or the challenge of keeping supporters interested and connected over time. Many organizations are looking for ways to shift from simply asking for donations to creating more meaningful and ongoing relationships with their supporters.

Limited time, staff, and budgets also continue to be a reality for most nonprofits. Rising marketing and fundraising costs make it difficult to do everything organizations would like to do, which is why there is strong interest in free tools, practical strategies, and technology that can help teams work smarter without adding more work to already full plates.

Communicating impact was another important theme. Many of you want to do a better job showing donors, funders, and the community the difference your programs are making. At the same time, there is interest in reaching younger audiences, who often consume information quickly through social media and short-form content, which can make it harder to share deeper stories about the work being done.

Finally, some respondents are thinking about how data, technology, and AI might help them better manage donor relationships, improve efficiency, and support growth even during uncertain times.



Overall, the responses highlight a shared goal: finding practical ways to strengthen donor relationships, clearly communicate impact, and align internal efforts, all while working with limited resources. These insights will help guide the conversation during the roundtable so we can focus on the challenges that matter most to you and explore ideas together.