The Sky Isn’t Falling… But It’s Looking a Little Cloudy
If you work at a nonprofit, you already know: there’s always something coming for your budget. This time, it’s federal cuts, a shaky economy, and donors tightening their wallets. But before you hit the panic button, let’s talk about what you can do to keep your nonprofit not just surviving, but thriving.
Keeping Your Team from Jumping Ship
Your staff is stressed, your leadership is worried, and everyone is side-eyeing their bank accounts. Here’s how to keep your people grounded and motivated:
Keep It Real – Your team doesn’t need sugarcoating. Be honest about challenges but also share a game plan. Panic is contagious—so is confidence.
Let People Be Part of the Solution – Your team has ideas. Use them! Involve staff in problem-solving and give them a sense of ownership. Belonging matters right about now!
Focus on Mental Health – Check in on your team, encourage breaks, and if possible, offer flexibility. A burned-out staff can’t move your mission forward.
Celebrate the Wins (Even Small Ones) – Hit a fundraising goal? Get a heartfelt donor note? Take a moment to acknowledge the good stuff.
Donors Want to Help—But You Gotta Keep Them in the Loop
Your donors don’t just give money—they invest in impact and people. And they need to know you can still get the job done, even when times are rough. Here’s how to keep their trust:
Tell the Truth, Not Just the Trouble – Yes, things are tough. But frame it as an opportunity, not just a crisis. Show them how they can be the hero in your story.
Stories, Not Spreadsheets – Share real-life impact stories instead of drowning donors in numbers. People connect with people, not data dumps.
Talk to Them Like Humans – Nobody wants to feel like an ATM. Keep your messages warm, personal, and engaging.
Make It Easy to Help – Set up monthly giving, legacy gifts, and corporate matches. The more options they have, the easier it is to say yes.
Fundraising That Works When Money Feels Tight
Recession or not, giving isn’t going away—it’s just shifting. Here’s how to adjust your approach:
Mix Up Your Money Streams – Relying on one big grant? Time to diversify. Look at individual donors, sponsorships, and fee-for-service models.
Go Digital or Go Home – AI-driven donor insights, text-to-give, and virtual events are where the money’s at. If you haven’t updated your tech game, now’s the time.
Get Personal with Donors – Your top supporters should hear from you personally, not just through mass emails. Make those calls. Send those handwritten notes.
Turn Your Board Into a Fundraising Squad – If your board isn’t actively helping with fundraising, it’s time for a reset. Give them clear, actionable ways to help and hold them accountable.
Don’t Ignore Small Donors – Those $10 and $20 gifts add up! Engage your grassroots supporters and make them feel valued.
Lessons from the Past: What Actually Works
Nonprofits that have survived economic crises before didn’t just cross their fingers and hope for the best. They did a few key things right:
They Got Creative – If a fundraiser wasn’t working, they changed it up. Innovation is key when the usual playbook isn’t cutting it.
They Put Relationships First – Donors stuck around because they felt connected to the mission, not just obligated to give.
They Were Transparent – No smoke and mirrors. Just honest conversations about needs and impact.
Keep Moving—You’ve Got This
It’s a tough season, but you’re built for this. Keep your people engaged, your donors informed, and your strategies flexible. Nonprofits are some of the most resilient organizations out there. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll not only survive—you’ll keep the money flowing and thrive.
Christal M. Cherry, a recovering fundraiser who just can’t seem to shake the fundraising bug, is now a board consultant with a deep passion for board development and fundraising strategy. No matter how hard she tries, fundraising keeps calling her back! If your team or board needs a fresh, strategic approach to fundraising (or just a little help getting unstuck), visit www.theboardpro.com—because strong boards make stronger fundraisers!
Comments