Close to 69% of the world has some sort of social media account. That could be something as minor as a professional LinkedIn account when searching for a new job in Sydney or a full-blown TikTok influencer on the Gold Coast. As 2025 comes to a close and NFPs turn to 2026 fundraising efforts, there are some key trends to consider.
Remember, social media doesn’t have to be a highly stressful engagement for your nonprofit team. Having one dedicated account on Facebook or Instagram is all you really need to boost interest and engagement. You never know when one video about how your NFP helps people experiencing homelessness or matches families with pet adoptions will go viral.
Consistency is still what matters most. So don’t stress over complex marketing plans. Stick to telling your authentic story, and you’ll grow little by little. Here are some tips for 2026 to help you get started.
#1 – Video is King
Around 89% of businesses use video marketing or content to deliver messaging. Having a social media account that uses short-form TikToks or Reels goes a long way to future-proofing your NFP.
Stick to the video sweet spot of between 1 and 3 minutes. You can also cross-promote these videos. For example, if you have a BTS video on YouTube Shorts, you can remove any watermarks and post it to Facebook, Instagram Reels, and TikTok as well.
Tailor your video to directly answer the questions your donors, volunteers, clients, and team members ask. Over time, you’ll learn to develop a more complex social media posting schedule, but start with the basics: what you do, how you do it, and the value you bring to the local community.
#2 – Expect More AI Content
It doesn’t matter if you like AI content or not. You can expect to see a lot more of it in the new year. Close to 40% of all Facebook social media posts are reported as AI-generated.
This lean into new technology is a double-edged sword. While you can have some fun with AI content, you might want to stick to authentic, “amateur” video. That will better speak to your grassroots efforts and convey a sense of authority to your viewers.
Whether or not you use AI comes down to your audience. If they think a funny story about a talking dog explaining how you offer swim lessons to youth clients is engaging, then go for it. Otherwise, stick to what you know best.
#3 – Go with Serialised Content
Just like people loved watching Friends from the U.S. or the gritty prison drama Wentworth, content on social media is likely to move into the “serialised” area. That means sequential “episodes” that tell a story over time.
Jay Renshaw on TikTok is a great example. He developed a whole office series around the employee Chit that viewers come back to time and time again.
Consumers want brands that engage with their needs, but also the ability to dive deeper into topics that lay the groundwork for meaningful connection and insight. Instead of resisting this change, go with it. People will follow along and want to come back for more.
#4 – Prioritise Value to the Community
Yes, “going viral” is fantastic. It can lead to massive boosts in volunteer sign-ups or donations for an upcoming goal. However, the content that resonates most with your audience will be more purposeful.
Social media fatigue is a thing. Some consumers will scroll endlessly, seeing the same thing over and over. You can break through that noise with content that directly offers value to the community you serve.
Treat your audience with care and cultivate a sense of belonging to something bigger. That will drive people back toward your brand repeatedly.
#5 – Anticipate Needs
Listening to your audience is crucial. You want to provide feedback, read comments, and engage with them on a personal level. However, you also want to drive your NFP’s social media to a competitive space.
That will require anticipating your audience’s needs and wants. Think of content that will “surprise and delight” audiences. Offer content like:
- Things no one else will tell you about your business, industry, or volunteering
- What clients wish they knew earlier
- How you help specific demographics grow in the community
- Give reality checks about who, what, why, and how behind your NFP
- Provide localised and downloadable images and reports that support your expertise
- Bust some myths
- Celebrate small wins
- Provide an FAQ, but framed in a “before you ask” kind of way
Give the audience something they want, before they need it. That will help drive engagement.
#6 – Human Led Storytelling
2026 is going to be revolutionary for social media, but one trend remains the same: keep your content human-centric. Create the images and videos that win over hearts and minds by celebrating the human-led aspects of your NFP.
Highlight the humanitarian efforts of your volunteers or a “day in the life” of your clients. Talk about how your donors feel when they engage with your efforts. Put a human face on your content, and your following will soar.
#7 – Utilise Social Search
Over 78% of global internet users report using social media platforms to research brands and products. That includes looking for NFPs in Australia to volunteer with, donate to, and apply for work.
You want to organise your social media so it is searchable by Google and AI snippets. Make sure all your posts have clear headlines and use keywords in the title. Create subtitles for your videos for greater accessibility. Follow the E-E-A-T principles to boost brand and content visibility.
What you post will get worked into search engines, so it makes it easier for those bots to crawl your social media content.
Final Thoughts
2026 is just around the corner, and you want your NFP’s social media to hit big with target audiences. Follow these trends and adapt your content. That will help expand your base of volunteers, donors, clients, and media attention.
While you’re at it, why not give your entire online presence a makeover? Web 105 offers mobile-responsive, modern website designs that make your NFP efforts shine. Contact us today to set up a consultation and enter the new year with your best digital foot forward.
FAQs
What is a trend in social media?
A social media trend can be anything from a popular TikTok dance to a specific filming technique. The trends we discuss are the top-level ideas and practices sure to reach your audience at a deeper, more engaging level.
What is the most used social media platform in Australia in 2025?
Facebook has the largest user base, but TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat have the highest average engagement time. As an NFP, you’ll likely get more traction with Facebook to start, but trying TikTok or YouTube Shorts may be a good tactic.
What is the best social media platform for nonprofits?
Facebook. You get a professional presence that you don’t need to post to multiple times a day, and it offers an equally engaging online listing of your details, location, and services comparable to a modern website.