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September 2025
Dear Reader,
I hope you’ve managed to find some much-deserved R&R over the summer, because with September finally here, it’s time to get back to it! After all, Q4 is just around the corner and Giving Tuesday is already on the horizon, so it's a great time to pause, reflect, and plan ahead.
That’s why we've packed this month’s edition with fresh sector updates and strategic insights to get you ready for the final stretch of 2025. Let’s jump right in…
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Work has continued at ADA on a secret project that we hope to reveal very soon, but we’ve also had internal discussions on a topic we want to extend to our readership. One of the best things about working with data is learning from peers, but too often, we end up solving problems in isolation.
So, what if there was a friendly, no-pressure space where charity data folk could connect and share ideas? Would that be something you’d find useful? Hit reply and let us know. We might even highlight the responses in the next issue!
Meanwhile, here’s your final reminder that Ant will be presenting at the CIoF Insight in Fundraising Conference on Monday 22nd September 2025. Joining Josh Rosekilly from Sense and Alex Proniewicz-Brooks from Depaul UK, they will be hosting a Power BI masterclass. If you have any questions you would like answered by the panel, reply to this email and we’ll make sure they get covered!
Tickets are still available, so don’t miss out on one of the last big UK conferences of the year to learn from and connect with the third sector’s best and brightest.
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Each month, we will look at industry trends, client feedback, or dive into our team's expertise to provide data-driven recommendations that help you stay ahead of the curve.
Highlights from the Enthuse Pulse & Sector Trends
As Q4 approaches, we're turning the spotlight on giving dynamics courtesy of recent surveys:
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Enthuse Annual Charity Pulse
- PayPal remains dominant (76% of donation pages), with Apple Pay (47%) and Google Pay (40%) close behind.
- Fundraising yield dipped to $58 per 1,000 messages, down 10% from last year.
- Engagement holds steady (0.48% CTR), though completion rates slipped to 12% (–13%).
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Kreston Charities Report 2025
- 65% of charities have revised or added governance policies over the past year.
- Yet, only 22% rate the Charity Commission’s support as "Good,” with 56% calling it merely "satisfactory."
These stats highlight the importance of not just reaching people, but keeping them engaged, reinforcing strong governance foundations as the operational climate tightens.
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We're big believers in working smarter, not harder. With each newsletter, we will provide practical, immediately applicable tips to help you streamline processes and maximise impact.
Back-to-School Edition: Board Reporting Essentials
As Q3 reaches its end, now’s the perfect time to sharpen your reporting to the board. Here’s how to strike the right balance:
- Frame 3–5 Key Questions for each report: What are we trying to learn this quarter? Ensure your data answers those questions clearly.
- Prioritise readability: Use clear headings, bullet insights, and visuals, not dense tables.
- Set Expectations Upfront: In your cover note, indicate what decisions or actions you're expecting from the board discussion.
- Celebrate the Wins: Include a quick “what worked this quarter” summary. This can boost morale and momentum.
Looking for more reporting tips? Check out our 7 Essential Data Quality Checks for Reliable Reporting blog post on the ADA website.
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Here are some notable events for September 2025 that may be of interest to professionals in the UK third sector, with valuable opportunities to gain insights, network with peers, and stay informed about the latest trends.
Sector Updates
- CIoF Insight in Fundraising Conference
22nd September – London
Okay, this is the last final reminder (promise!) about the conference for insight professionals, with sessions to help them not only keep pace with change but lead the way in shaping more responsive, data-driven strategies for fundraising success.
- Third Sector Trends Survey
Deadline: 30th September
Durham University is gathering insights for the sector-wide trends study. Your input helps shape national understanding.
Legislative Updates
New Code of Fundraising Practice
From 1 November 2025, the Fundraising Regulator’s new Code of Fundraising Practice takes effect, the biggest overhaul since 2019. The updated Code introduces a principles-based approach, replacing rigid rules with flexible guidance that empowers charities to use good judgment in diverse fundraising settings.
Key changes include:
- A Code that’s 45% shorter, simpler to navigate, and clearer in structure.
- Enhanced protections for fundraisers, including measures to prevent harm or harassment.
- Streamlined rules on unstaffed collections, requiring clear information for donors (e.g., charity details and any fees).
- Support tools such as guides on documenting decisions, performing due diligence, and monitoring fundraising partners.
With just two months left to ensure policies, training, and partner agreements are ready, if you haven’t started preparing, now’s the time to act. You can read the full list of changes and download helpful resources over on the Fundraising Regulator website.
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For this month, Ant brings the “Back To School” mentality into the Third Sector, offering key advice on how to approach the autumnal season. |
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“The new term is here, and with it a chance to reset and refocus. Q3 has given us valuable lessons, so now it’s time to put them into action. As we head into Christmas, the busiest season for most charities, the smartest move you can make is to test. Trial new supporter segments. Try different stories. See what resonates. Every experiment now pays dividends later. You’ve already shown resilience and creativity. Let’s carry that bold energy into the final stretch of the year.”
— Ant Fawkes
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And with that, our September edition of the newsletter draws to a close. We thank you again for being a part of this journey, and encourage you to share it with those who might be interested. As always, we value your feedback and are here to support you.
Until next time,
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Carl Phillips
Head of Marketing
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