A recent Red Cross survey asked 1,010 people about their donation intentions for the rest of the year. Respondents indicated that although Hurricane Sandy and the campaign race sparked early contributions in 2012, those events would not significantly hinder their donations throughout the rest of the year.

"It's encouraging that people are willing to support the work of charitable organizations even in a year when there has been increased giving to political causes and Hurricane Sandy," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the Red Cross. "Nonprofits like the Red Cross are there for people in need every day and everywhere and rely on year-end fundraising to fulfill their mission."

In fact, 90 percent of survey participants who gave to political causes said they still planned to give to nonprofit organizations during the holiday season, and 78 percent of those who sent money to Hurricane Sandy response efforts said those contributions would not deter them from donating more throughout the rest of 2012.

Individuals, programs and organizations that rely on fundraising to fuel sustainable operations might find nonprofit fundraising software advantageous. The solutions can facilitate the process of identifying grant opportunities, generate reports that demonstrate current financial need and showcase previous achievements.