President and Chief Operating Officer

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is famous for noting that the only constant in life is change, saying “you cannot step twice in the same river.” Over 2,000 years later, this concept remains relevant—especially for the nonprofit sector navigating economic uncertainty, shifting public priorities, and cuts to funding. Agility and adaptation are required not just to survive, but to thrive.

The Gates Foundation’s decision to ramp up their investments—doubling their spending to $200 billion in the next 20 years and sunset by 2045 rather than exist indefinitely—represents a bold plan and a significant philosophical shift from most large funders. Historically, many funders (think Carnegie, Rockefeller, or Ford) have chosen to give from interest earned on large endowments, ensuring their legacy continues in perpetuity. This model has generously supported generations of nonprofits but also leaves much more in untouched endowment accounts.

The Gates Foundation has given an average of $5 billion annually for the last 25 years and has had a transformational impact on global health. While Gates’ investment and impact have been significant—and will be difficult to replace—$557 billion was given in charitable support of nonprofits in 2023, according to Giving USA. Gates and other foundations, though significant, are just a fraction of the big picture: Americans are incredibly generous!

Don’t wait to see which direction the currents flow; now is the time for nonprofits to be proactive, think boldly, and position themselves to adapt to emerging opportunities. Here’s how:

• Position Yourself for Catalytic Funding
  • Know your needs and vision: Look at your immediate and long-term funding needs. If you had a “wish list,” what would be on it? Develop a strong case for support and identify your organization’s most scalable and transformative programs.
  • Know how to articulate your “why:” Storytelling is a powerful tool for nonprofits and being able to share the impact of your work both quantitatively and qualitatively is essential. Collect testimonials from those you serve and share these stories with your network (both through in-person conversations and across your marketing channels).
  • Be ready: Being prepared for a large funding opportunity may help you secure it; ensure your organization has a plan for how you might action a transformational gift and can communicate where and how you would direct funds to make a difference.
• Focus on Donor Relationships
  • Individuals are key: Individuals drive charitable giving in the US. About $8 of every $10 donated are contributed by individuals. Ensure your organization is engaging in donor-centric fundraising; check out our webinar on how to build lasting relationships to maximize impact.
  • Use current events as touchpoints: Touch base with your major donors to see how changes are affecting their own strategies. These conversations build rapport and show donors you are paying attention.
  • Ask for feedback: Considering polling your donors to understand how changes in the economic and fundraising landscape may impact their giving. Surveying your supporters helps you understand your donor base, and in turn create a more tailored, personalized fundraising approach.
  • Leverage technology: Think about how AI might streamline administrative tasks so you can spend more time with your donors. My colleague Lindsey Rosenthal recently explored how AI can supplement nonprofit fundraising efforts.
• Embrace Innovation and Diversification
  • Think beyond foundations: This shift motivates us to think creatively and proactively. Look at your revenue streams; how can your organization diversify your funding, perhaps capitalizing on opportunities with individuals, earned revenue, partnerships and/or an endowment?
  • Keep abreast of changes in donor trends: Understand how different groups give. For example, how women donors give differently, and what motivates affluent households’ giving.
  • Prepare for new data: Giving USA’s 2025 report on annual charitable giving will be released on June 24, 2025. Follow us on social media to keep up with our interpretations of the data and recommendations for nonprofits.

I’m feeling optimistic about the future of philanthropy—and so should you. The Gates Foundation’s sunset announcement doesn’t mean the end of major philanthropy; it marks an evolution. It challenges us to reconsider how we define impact, sustainability and legacy. By staying adaptable, telling stories, nurturing relationships and diversifying funding, nonprofits can position themselves to thrive.

Heraclitus might say change is an ever-flowing river; I say let’s rise to meet the tide.