Digital trends charities should prepare for in 2026

2 January 2026  |  Stuart Palmer

The charity digital landscape is evolving at pace. Over the past year alone, we’ve seen the rapid rise of AI, new possibilities in creative practices and escalating threats to cyber security. Supporters are showing a consistent preference for donating directly through charity websites, while digital fundraising campaigns, social media and email marketing continue to accelerate.

This rapidly shifting environment creates both challenges and opportunities for charities. If you haven’t yet developed your digital strategy, now’s the time to move it to the top of your priority list. Here are some key points to consider for your 2026 plans.

1. Digital inclusion 

Digital inclusion is becoming a key measure of organisational credibility. In the latest Charity Digital Skills Report, only 11% of charities said they offer dedicated support for digital inclusion, with just over half offering any form of support at all. Meanwhile, 82% of charities report concerns about beneficiaries being digitally excluded. These numbers show just how vital it is for charities to design digital experiences that truly work for everyone.

For 2026, this means making digital inclusion a strategic priority rather than an afterthought. Understanding your audiences’ digital access needs – whether beneficiaries, donors, volunteers or staff – will provide the foundation for more inclusive design. Hybrid engagement models that blend in-person and digital interactions will help ensure that no one gets left behind. And on the technical side, accessibility best practice is quickly becoming non-negotiable: meaningful alt text, good colour contrast, keyboard-friendly navigation, accessible forms and clear transcripts or captions will all be essential. Even small steps, like running assets through a WCAG colour contrast checker, such as Web Aim’s, will go a long way towards widening access.

2. Immersive storytelling 

Immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are becoming far more accessible – and supporters are beginning to expect richer, more experiential storytelling. The RNIB’s Eyeware tool, launched in 2024 to help users understand sight loss through AR and VR, demonstrated how powerful immersive content can be in boosting empathy and awareness.

By 2026, with easier-to-use creation tools, even smaller charities will be able to incorporate immersive storytelling. From 360° videos that transport supporters to the front line of your work, to virtual site tours and interactive resources hosted on your website, immersive content will open up new ways of connecting emotionally with supporters. As mentioned above, accessibility should guide these innovations, ensuring these experiences are inclusive and meaningful.

3. Use of AI 

Charities continue to face challenges in donor retention. Many are now focused on re-engaging lapsed supporters as individual giving becomes less stable. Sector research shows donors are giving more strategically and expect clearer communication, deeper connection and evidence of tangible impact.

AI is becoming a powerful tool for meeting these expectations. A study by Raisely found that 47% of fundraisers now view AI as their biggest digital opportunity, and AI adoption is rising sharply across the sector – one report found usage increased by 77% in a single year. When integrated with a CRM, AI can help predict giving trends, identify supporters who may be drifting away and personalise communications in ways that feel human and relevant.

As donors increasingly expect tailored impact stories and messages shaped by their interactions and history, AI will help charities deliver meaningful personalisation at scale – far beyond the traditional approach of adding supporter’s first names alone.

4. Cyber security 

Following several major cyber incidents in 2025, charities are under greater pressure to strengthen their digital defences. With cyber threats growing more sophisticated – especially as malicious actors make use of AI – cyber security has become a governance issue as much as a technical one.

Strong digital protection will be essential in 2026: this includes multi-factor authentication, frequent updates to website systems, staff training on phishing and social engineering, encryption of sensitive data and regular reviews of user permissions. As trust is one of the sector’s most valuable assets, protecting donor and beneficiary information must remain a top priority.

5. Frictionless digital payments

Digital giving continues to rise across the sector. 56% of 25-34 year olds prefer online donations versus just 24% preferring cash. Even among those 65 and over, nearly one-third (30%) prefer to give online. While more than 57% of donors now give via mobile devices. These trends make it clear that donors expect fast, frictionless digital payment options – more in line with modern online retail experiences than traditional charity donation forms.

Offering payment tools like Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal is quickly moving from optional to essential. A streamlined, mobile-optimised experience can make a measurable difference in conversion. Try taking a quick walk-through of your own donation journey – as though you were a first-time supporter – to reveal small obstacles that might cause would-be donors to drop off. 

Looking ahead

As we move into 2026, the charities that thrive will be those that blend empathy with technology – creating digital experiences that are inclusive, immersive, personalised and secure. If your organisation is ready to modernise its website, strengthen its accessibility, or integrate a CRM capable of powering AI-driven insight, our team is here to help.

We’d love to work with you to transform your digital impact in 2026. To talk to us about the possibilities, drop us an email info@eyes-down.net or call 01803 500 099.