In a time when economic uncertainty, social division, and global crises often dominate the headlines, one organization is daring to dream—and deliver—a new kind of revolution. Not one built on protests or politics, but on purpose-driven generosity powered by technology.
In its newly released 2025 Impact Report, Bonterra, a leading force in social impact technology, unveils an ambitious and inspiring roadmap: to raise U.S. charitable giving from its long-stagnant 2.5% to 3% of GDP by 2033. At first glance, this may seem like a modest goal. But consider this: if achieved, this 0.5% shift could unlock an estimated $573 billion in additional global social impact every year—a seismic change in what humanity can achieve together.
This is more than a call to give more. It’s a call to rebuild the infrastructure of generosity, making giving as seamless, trusted, and impactful as possible.
Let’s explore how Bonterra is transforming the DNA of the nonprofit sector, and why this report is one of the most powerful blueprints for CSR and community investment in recent memory.
The Current Landscape: Why Giving Is Stuck
For decades, U.S. charitable giving has hovered around 2.5% of GDP, even in times of economic boom. While Americans remain among the most generous givers globally, persistent barriers have held back the true potential of philanthropic impact.
Some of the key challenges include:
- Erosion of trust in institutions, including nonprofits
- Limited transparency in how donations are used
- Fragmented systems that create administrative burdens
- Outdated technology and lack of data-driven insights
- Low donor retention and engagement rates
Bonterra’s mission is to remove these roadblocks by redesigning the giving experience from the ground up, leveraging cutting-edge AI, data analytics, and automation to empower donors, nonprofits, funders, and corporate citizens alike.
Bonterra’s 2025 Impact Report: Results That Matter
Bonterra’s 2025 Impact Report is not just a collection of statistics. It’s a vibrant demonstration of what happens when vision meets execution:
- $28 billion raised through Bonterra’s platforms
- 437,000 organizations supported
- 53 million donors engaged
- $8.5 billion in grants distributed
- 4.8 million lives impacted
This scale of impact proves that smart, intentional design can mobilize entire communities—and that generosity, when empowered by technology, can become a transformative force in society.
The Generosity Generation: Giving Without Friction
Central to Bonterra’s work is the concept of the Generosity Generation—a growing community of givers, funders, and doers who are driven by purpose and enabled by smart tools. To support this movement, the Impact Report shares actionable insights backed by deep data intelligence.
1. Trust Is the New Currency
With just 57% of Americans expressing trust in nonprofits, restoring confidence is paramount. Bonterra found that donors who receive real-time updates on the impact of their gifts give 8x more often and 2.5x more over a decade.
Takeaway: Transparency and personalization aren’t optional—they are essential currencies of engagement.
2. Crises Create Catalysts
When the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision sparked nationwide controversy, donations to relevant nonprofits surged 52x. Similarly, donations spike before and after natural disasters.
Takeaway: Nonprofits that can anticipate, prepare, and mobilize quickly during crises capture the momentum—and make the most impact.
3. AI Makes Giving Smarter
Artificial intelligence is becoming a game-changer in philanthropy. From identifying ideal donors and optimal ask amounts to pinpointing the best outreach times (Tuesdays and Thursdays mid-morning, in case you’re wondering), AI is maximizing engagement with fewer resources.
Takeaway: Technology doesn’t replace human kindness—it supercharges it.
4. Persistence and Proactivity Pay Off
Contrary to common fears, it takes an average of just 1.24 grant applications to secure funding. Those who reapply after rejection have a 52% success rate.
Takeaway: In the world of grants, tenacity beats perfection. And with AI streamlining the process, burnout no longer has to be the price of persistence.
5. Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Organizations that apply for a higher volume of smaller grants consistently raise more than those who pursue a few large ones.
Takeaway: Agility and breadth in fundraising strategy yield better results—especially when fueled by tech tools that reduce admin fatigue.
Reigniting Corporate Engagement: A CSR Lifeline
Employee engagement is at a historic low—just 31%, according to Gallup. But Bonterra’s data shows that workplace giving programs can reinvigorate teams, especially when powered by creativity and interactivity.
- Gamified giving campaigns boost matching gift participation by up to 22%
- Digital wallets increase donation amounts by a staggering 90%
- Purposeful engagement improves retention and job satisfaction
Takeaway: CSR isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s a powerful lever for corporate culture, employee motivation, and lasting impact.
What’s Next: The Bonterra Network
Perhaps the most exciting development in Bonterra’s journey is the upcoming launch of the Bonterra Network—a digital ecosystem powered by AI that connects nonprofits, funders, and supporters in one seamless environment.
Phase One, debuting this year, will focus on:
- Smarter grant discovery and matching
- Streamlined application and review processes
- Tools for collaboration, learning, and resource sharing
This is not just a network—it’s the beginning of a decentralized but deeply connected giving infrastructure that could redefine how social impact is funded, measured, and scaled.
The Bigger Picture: A Giving Revolution Within Reach
Bonterra’s goal to raise U.S. giving to 3% of GDP by 2033 is ambitious—but entirely possible. What’s more important is that they’ve shown how it can be done, not through wishful thinking, but through strategic collaboration, data insights, and visionary leadership.
CEO Scott Brighton puts it plainly:
“Our report shows how nonprofit leaders, funders, and volunteers can harness technology to drive impact. With smarter tools, stronger collaboration, and a shared purpose, 3% is within reach.”
Indeed, Bonterra is not just trying to push the needle—they are building the compass and map for everyone in the social good sector to follow.
Final Reflections: Technology for the Greatest Good
At AmazingHour.com, we shine a light on those redefining how we build a better world—and Bonterra exemplifies that spirit.
Their 2025 Impact Report is more than a progress update. It’s a clarion call for a new era of giving. One where transparency, technology, and trust work hand-in-hand to elevate every doer of good to their full potential.
As we enter a future defined by rapid change and pressing challenges, the real question is not “Will people give?”—but “How can we make giving as easy, powerful, and fulfilling as possible?”
Bonterra’s answer is clear: through innovation, intention, and a shared commitment to make generosity the new normal.
Download the full 2025 Impact Report and explore Bonterra’s initiatives at bonterratech.com
Let’s rise together—toward a 3% future and beyond.
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