The Resurgence of Facebook Challenges in 2025: A Nonprofit Fundraising Goldmine

Matthew Schaller
|
February 10, 2025

Why Facebook Challenges Are Making a Huge Comeback in 2025

Over the past year, Facebook Challenges have staged a monumental comeback, defying skeptics and delivering unprecedented returns for nonprofits. At GoodUnited, we’ve witnessed an astonishing 500% to 700% growth in some Challenges, with an overwhelming 90% of all Challenges performing within 10% of expectations. The numbers speak for themselves:

  • 25% of Challenges are exceeding expectations with a 250%+ Return on Ad Spend (ROAS).
  • 65% of Challenges are hitting the sweet spot with 125%–250% ROAS.
  • Only 10% of Challenges fall below expectations, generating less than 125% ROAS.

For those who thought Facebook Challenges had peaked, 2025 is proving them wrong. With the right strategy, timing, and preparation, nonprofits are leveraging Challenges to drive unparalleled engagement and fundraising success.

Why Are Facebook Challenges Thriving Again?

1. Strategic Planning Around "Grey Skies" Events

One of the game-changers in 2025 is how nonprofits are planning months in advance for major fundraising opportunities. At GoodUnited, we’ve identified pivotal "Grey Skies" events—periods when donor engagement is naturally higher, such as:

  • National Awareness Months (e.g., Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mental Health Awareness Month)
  • Seasonal Giving Trends (e.g., New Year’s Resolutions, Spring Fundraising, Holiday Giving)
  • Crisis Response Efforts (e.g., Disaster Relief, Emergency Fundraising)
  • Pivotal U.S. and Global Policies & Issues (e.g., healthcare reforms, environmental initiatives, economic downturns, and humanitarian crises)

By working closely with GoodUnited, nonprofits are no longer scrambling at the last minute. Instead, they are strategically aligning their Challenges with peak donor interest, maximizing participation and revenue.

2. The Power of Community-Driven Fundraising

Unlike traditional fundraising methods, Facebook Challenges foster a deep sense of community and commitment among participants. By leveraging private Facebook Groups, nonprofits create an interactive space where donors:

  • Feel personally connected to the cause
  • Engage in friendly competition
  • Receive daily motivation and support from peers
  • Share their progress and success stories

This sense of social accountability is driving significantly higher conversion rates, with more participants completing their fundraising goals compared to passive donation campaigns.

3. Advancements in Facebook's Fundraising Algorithm

In response to the increasing popularity of Challenges, Facebook has optimized its fundraising algorithm to improve reach and engagement. Recent updates include:

  • Better targeting for lookalike audiences to attract the most likely participants
  • Improved integration with donation processing to make giving easier
  • Enhanced analytics tools for nonprofits to track performance and optimize their campaigns

With these improvements, nonprofits can now reach the right people at the right time, ensuring maximum impact for their Challenges.

GoodUnited: The Pioneers & #1 Facebook Challenge Company

GoodUnited isn’t just another player in the space—we created Facebook Challenges and have more experience in running them than any company on Earth. Simply put, we are the best and only option for nonprofits looking to harness the power of Facebook Challenges.

As the #1 Facebook Challenge company, we’ve spent years refining and perfecting the strategy, technology, and execution behind these campaigns. No one understands the nuances of successful Facebook Challenges better than GoodUnited. Our expertise, data-driven approach, and proven track record make us the ultimate partner for nonprofits aiming to scale their impact through social fundraising.

How Nonprofits Can Capitalize on the Facebook Challenge Boom

1. Start Planning Early with GoodUnited

Preparation is everything. The nonprofits seeing the highest returns aren’t waiting until the last minute—they’re working with GoodUnited months in advance to develop:

  • Challenge themes that align with upcoming Grey Skies events
  • Audience targeting strategies to maximize participant engagement
  • Automated messaging sequences to keep fundraisers motivated
  • High-converting ad campaigns to drive sign-ups and donations

2. Leverage Data-Driven Optimization

One of the biggest mistakes nonprofits make is running Challenges without iterating based on performance data. At GoodUnited, we provide:

  • Detailed engagement metrics to identify what’s working
  • A/B testing frameworks for messaging and ad creative
  • AI-powered insights to predict future Challenge success

By continuously optimizing based on real-time data, nonprofits can maximize donor participation and fundraising efficiency.

3. Prioritize Participant Engagement

Challenges that perform best focus on building a strong community. Key engagement strategies include:

  • Daily Check-Ins: Encouraging participants to share updates and motivate each other
  • Personalized Messaging: Automated reminders and thank-you notes to keep fundraisers engaged
  • Gamification: Leaderboards, badges, and exclusive perks for top fundraisers

The more engaged participants feel, the more likely they are to follow through on fundraising goals.

The Future of Facebook Challenges: A Nonprofit Game-Changer

With 500%+ growth rates and record-breaking ROAS, Facebook Challenges are solidifying their place as a dominant force in nonprofit fundraising. For organizations looking to scale impact, build stronger donor communities, and drive predictable fundraising results, now is the time to act.

Ready to Launch Your Next Facebook Challenge?

GoodUnited is at the forefront of this movement, helping nonprofits harness the power of Facebook Challenges with proven strategies and cutting-edge technology. Don’t get left behind—let’s make 2025 the biggest year yet for your nonprofit.

👉 Schedule a Strategy Call with GoodUnited Today