Community is one of our greatest strengths in difficult times. And we won’t deny that 2025 has had a rough start. Whether you’re recovering from the aftermath of a natural disaster or navigating a drastic shift in federal funding, we’re here to help.
“Amplify the good” isn’t just a pithy tagline. We want to help you achieve your mission any way that we can because we believe that organizations that make the world better should have the tools they need to succeed. So, we’ve put together a guide to help nonprofits and foundations meet this moment while staying focused. Out of our nine key considerations and questions, here are our top takeaways:
Double down on your values
Your work matters more than ever. When your communities are looking to you for next steps, this is your moment to play to your strengths. Showcase testimonials, highlight your programs, and craft messaging that ties directly back to your core values.
What makes you unique matters. Articulate your “why” boldly and consistently in all of your external communications, from social media to op-eds. Your community needs to know who you are and what you stand for unapologetically. When you unite people around magnetic ideas, you achieve incredible results.
Be open to collaboration and honest about your competition
People don’t like to talk about competition in the nonprofit world. (We would know!) However, with increased competition for funding, more organizations may be exploring mergers or partnerships as a way to remain sustainable. Merging can open up new opportunities for dedicated organizations with shared values.
If your organization is considering this path, now is the time to focus on 3 key areas that can ease the transition and ensure long-term success:
- Revisit your brand: Ensure your brand clearly communicates your mission and values. A strong identity can make merging with another organization smoother and more compelling to your community.
- Align on strategic vision: Take a hard look at how your strategic goals align with potential partners. Are you working toward complementary missions, or are you focused on different things?
- Be transparent: Be sure to share updates with donors, constituents, and staff. Clear, consistent messaging builds trust and excitement about the possibilities ahead.
Even if you’re not merging, collaboration is key to success. When your organization can clearly differentiate itself, you open yourself up to new partnership opportunities. Your fundraising position strengthens as well as your programs. You avoid “mission creep” and “scope creep” because you know exactly who you are and what you have to offer. So be honest about your competition because it will make you a better strategic partner.
Foundations, your grantees need organizational capacity and inspiring programming
Your grantees are navigating big challenges while pushing bold ideas forward. Because many nonprofits focus deeply on serving their constituents, they often lack the funds to invest in tools that could amplify their impact. A strong brand, strategic plans, and effective fundraising communications are not just investments in their work, but the impact of your grant dollars.
You have an opportunity to amplify and champion amazing organizations as a partner in their mission! Consider sponsoring branding workshops, or creating nonprofit cohorts focused on strengthening communications, positioning, and identity. Host webinars, workshops, or events on project management, storytelling, or donor cultivation. Supporting your grantees with inspiring programming will strengthen your external and internal relationships in the communities you serve. And feel free to use us as a resource.
Want to take your fundraising to the next level? Strengthen your strategic plan or fundraising communications? Or are you just looking for a thought partner to help you figure out what your next move is? Let’s talk.