Accelerate Into the Curve: Fundraising Boldly in Uncertain Times

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

As a new driver, the idea of accelerating into a curve was counterintuitive, even scary. Our instinct is to hit the brakes. Now, as veteran drivers, we know that the key to staying in control is to accelerate into the turn.

• Individuals are the backbone of our fundraising programs and continue to give. Whether major donors or everyday givers, they need to understand your organization’s challenges and how they can help you close gaps, deliver your services, decrease vulnerability to federal funding, and help you thrive. To learn more about donor cultivation and engagement, watch our webinar.

• Foundation funding has been at an all-time high for the last couple of years.  We know it can’t cover government funding gaps completely, but right now, foundations are carefully considering their role and response to the inaccessibility of government funding and that impact on nonprofits. Historically, when government decreased its support of the nonprofit sector, foundations increased theirs.  Check in with your foundation partners, make them aware of your challenges, see if/how their funding priorities are changing and whether they align with your mission.

• Corporate funding has been very strong in recent years. There are changes in funding guidelines and priorities happening right now, so be sure you’re still a fit and check in with your corporate partners about their support. Let them know how the current environment impacts the delivery of your programs and services.
• Planned Giving should be a more important component your fundraising program than ever before.  As giving vehicles expand, and the wealth transfer continues, if you’re not positioning your organization to be a recipient of deferred dollars, you’re missing out.
• Learn more about these trends through Giving USA 2024 and stay tuned for the upcoming release of Giving USA 2025 in June.

Be Your Own Advocate

• Communication is key. Have open and honest conversations with your stakeholders. Engage your board. Do they know your key funding sources and whether any of these are at risk? Do they understand and can they articulate your needs? Meet with your elected officials. Stay in the know on what is going on in your sector and the nonprofit community. Check out our recent article with guest author Brian Flahaven from the Charitable Giving Coalition on charitable tax deductions. Talk about what you are seeing.

And, if it just seems too daunting and you need a partner, we can help guide you through your assessment, revenue diversification, messaging, building your planned giving program, and leveraging your donor data to do these things. Reach out and let us partner with you on your drive.

On the other side of this curve is opportunity. It’s the pedal on the right – accelerate!