It is an understatement to say that 2025 has been rough for charitable organizations. Economic volatility, a challenging political climate, and tax reform on the horizon are major factors for many nonprofits. 

Despite the harsh realities of external factors, here are three potential bright spots for your organization’s staff and board to consider as you continue the hard work of delivering on your mission.  

Generosity tends to endure through crisis 

History shows that even during economic downturns, disasters, or uncertainty, the spirit of generosity persists. Donors are motivated not just by surplus wealth but by a deep belief in the causes they support. The people who care about your organization really do care. Even in the wake of major recessions and national tragedies, nonprofits have adapted to new realities, rallied donors, and continued to raise the funds they need to carry out their missions. 

Keep talking to donors 

Certainly not all donors are affected the same way when times get tough. Some may find it hard to give due to financial constraints, while others may be less financially affected and continue giving at historical levels or even beyond. It’s important for a nonprofit’s board and staff to keep communicating with donors, avoid making assumptions about capacity or lack thereof, and stay confident and passionate about your mission and its importance to the lives of the people you serve. Don’t stop asking donors for gifts, and don’t narrow the range of gifts you’re seeking. Annual giving, campaign giving, endowment giving, and planned giving are all still on the menu. Now is not the time to take a step back. 

Step up your own game 

There may be no better incentive to working at getting better at fundraising than during a challenging time. You and your team may even look back and appreciate that you had to get more efficient, creative, and strategic about engaging donors in every aspect of giving, including endowment and legacy giving. (Think about how we all pivoted in March 2020!) Double down on testing new ideas on a few donors so you can “fail small” and see what works. If something works during really tough times, imagine what could happen when things turn around. 

 Philanthropy is essential to maintaining and improving quality of life in our communities. If we can be of help, please contact a member of our team.