Facing Uncertainty? Here’s What You Can Do

Things feel shaky right now. Maybe even worse than last week. The uncertainty is unsettling, and you may be asking:

• What’s going to happen next?
• How will this affect our organization?
• Will our funding take a hit?
• What about me, my team, and the people I care about?

These are real concerns. You’re not imagining things, and you’re not alone. Many nonprofit leaders are facing the same fears right now.

We’re Here for You

Please know that we will help you in any way we can.

Whether you need a pep talk, a strategy boost, or just someone to listen, we’re here.

But we also know that action helps. When things feel uncertain, taking concrete steps can give you a sense of control and momentum. And that’s what we want to focus on today.

What You Can Do Right Now

There’s no magic fix for uncertainty. But there are smart moves you can make to protect your organization, strengthen your funding, and stay connected with your supporters.

Right now, the most important thing you can do is focus on your donors.

Your Individual Donors Are Your Lifeline

If government funding slows down or a grant doesn’t come through, who will be there for you? Your donors.

They believe in your mission. They want to see you succeed. And if you give them the opportunity, they’ll step up to help. But you have to keep them close.

Everyday Donors: Keep Them Engaged

Now is the time to make an all-out effort to strengthen your donor relationships. And that means more communication, not less.

• Send regular updates. Even if you’re not making an appeal, share news about what’s happening.
• Plan a virtual town hall or Q&A session. Let donors ask questions and hear directly from you.
• Keep up with digital appeals, email campaigns, and stewardship messaging.
• Focus on donor retention. The donors you have now are your best bet for long-term sustainability.

The more connected your donors feel, the more likely they are to keep giving—because they see themselves as part of your work.

Major Gift Donors: Ramp Up Yor Approaches

Be sure to devote resources and training to enhance your major gift program! The major donors who make bigger investments in your work are passionate, committed people. You can count on them to care deeply.  

And in uncertain times, they often want to do more, not less. But you have to stay in touch.

• Reach out personally and keep them up to date. If you are searching for a pretext for reaching out – you have one now!
• Call, email, or set up one-on-one conversations.
• Share your challenges and opportunities that your organization is facing. People really want to know.
• Make them feel like partners in your work. Show them the difference they are making with their gifts.

Remember, a few large gifts can help balance out funding losses. But those gifts come from relationships. If you haven’t prioritized major gifts fundraising before, now is a great time to start.

Our 2025 Major Gifts Intensive is open for registration for just two more weeks. If you want to build out a structured, effective major gifts program that delivers mega gifts year after year, this is your chance!

Communicate: Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out

One of the biggest mistakes nonprofits make in uncertain times? They go silent.

We hear it all the time:

• “I don’t want to bother my donors.”
• They don’t want to hear from me.
• “I don’t know where they stand on these political issues.”

Here’s what you need to remember—your donors have already voted with their money that they believe in your work. That’s why they’ve given before. They want to see your mission succeed.

Even more, supporting your work makes them feel good. Giving brings joy. It gives people a sense of purpose and connection. And in times like these, that matters more than ever.

So, reach out. Keep them in the loop. If your organization is facing challenges, share that. You don’t have to be dramatic. Just be honest.

Transparency builds trust. And trust is what turns donors into lifelong supporters.

Bottom Line: Keep Moving Forward

Yes, things feel uncertain right now. But here’s what we know for sure:

• Your work matters.
• Your donors care.
• Strong relationships will carry you through.

So keep showing up. Keep communicating. Keep building connections.

You’ve got this—and we’ve got your back.

Time is running out!

Applications for our Major Gifts Intensive close on February 20th—and we don’t want you to miss out.

This is your opportunity to transform your fundraising results and build a thriving major gifts program with expert coaching and hands-on support. Click here for more information.

Don’t miss this opportunity!