106. Bold Fundraising During Tumultuous Times
About this episode
Have you ever found yourself staring at a fundraising plan, wondering if now is the right time to ask—or if you should wait for calmer days? If you’re a major gift officer, development director, executive director, or board member, you know that uncertainty is part of our nonprofit DNA. But when economic and political storms hit, those questions become even more urgent. In this post, I’m sharing hard-won lessons and actionable strategies from my latest podcast episode, “Bold Fundraising During Tumultuous Times.” Stick with me, and you’ll walk away with the confidence and practical tools to fundraise boldly—even when the ground feels anything but steady.
Facing the Storm: Why Fundraising Feels So Hard Right Now
Let’s be honest—these are challenging times for all of us in the nonprofit sector. Recent data shows that online donations have dropped sharply since President Trump’s latest tariff announcements. Zeffy, a fee-free giving platform, saw a staggering 37% drop in donations in just one week. Major gifts are drying up, and even platforms like Donorbox, which had been growing steadily, reported an 11% decline in April.
Why is this happening? Wealthier donors, whose giving often tracks with the stock market, are feeling risk-averse. Everyday donors are squeezed by rising costs for essentials, with tariffs making everything pricier. And for nonprofits, it’s a perfect storm: budgets are stretched thin, demand for services is rising, and leadership teams are torn between holding back on appeals or pushing forward and risking donor fatigue.
I’ve seen organizations freeze up, waiting for the “right moment.” But more often than not, hesitation leads to missed opportunities. The truth is, there’s rarely a “perfect” time to fundraise. The key is to adapt, communicate, and keep faith in our missions—and in our donors.
What Works: Five Strategies for Resilient Fundraising
After nearly three decades in the trenches, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding the storm—it’s about learning to dance in the rain. Here are five strategies that have helped organizations not just survive, but thrive, in uncertain times:
1. Don’t Decide for Your Donors
One of the biggest mistakes I see is assuming donors can’t or won’t give. During the early days of the Covid pandemic, some fundraisers pulled back, fearing donor fatigue. But those who leaned in—making crisis appeals and engaging supporters—saw revenue jump by 30%. Those who stayed silent saw a 20% drop. The lesson? Don’t take yourself out of the game. Invite your donors to the party; let them decide if they can attend.
2. Prioritize Stewardship and Transparency
Retention is your best friend. Research shows that retaining just 10% more donors can boost revenue by up to 200%. Be transparent about the challenges you’re facing. Let donors know exactly how their gifts are making a difference, especially when every dollar counts. I’ve seen the smallest gestures—like handwritten thank-you notes—turn casual donors into lifelong supporters.
3. Embrace Recurring Giving
Monthly giving is a lifeline. The average monthly gift is $24, and recurring gifts now account for 31% of all online revenue. When donors are feeling cautious, smaller, recurring gifts feel more manageable—and they provide you with predictable income. Make it easy for donors to commit to monthly giving, and celebrate every milestone.
4. Diversify and Collaborate
Don’t rely on a single revenue stream. Explore corporate partnerships, peer-to-peer campaigns, and grants. Joint appeals with like-minded organizations can help you reach new audiences and share the load, especially when political sensitivities make direct appeals tricky. I’ve seen organizations raise more by joining forces than by competing for the same dollars.
5. Invest in Digital and Data
Digital fundraising is more important than ever. Platforms like Neon CRM, DonorPerfect, Virtuous, and Donorbox offer powerful tools for donor management, segmentation, and analytics. Use these to personalize outreach, automate stewardship, and track what’s working in real time. Think of your digital tools as your fundraising GPS—they help you navigate the twists and turns.
Real-World Results and Your Next Steps
Let me share a quick case study. During a recent downturn, one organization I worked with switched to Fundraise Up, optimized their donation experience, and focused on monthly giving. The result? A 31% increase in monthly gifts and a 50% boost in overall online giving. The key was not just technology, but a commitment to ongoing, transparent communication and donor engagement.
So, what can you do right now?
Keep asking—don’t retreat.
Promote monthly giving.
Show donors the impact of their gifts, especially in inflation-adjusted terms.
Leverage technology to personalize and streamline your outreach.
Collaborate with other organizations.
Stay flexible and be ready to pivot your strategies as conditions change.
I know these times are tough. But I also know that the organizations that come through stronger are those that stay bold, stay connected, and keep communicating. Don’t let fear dictate your strategy. Share your experiences, ask questions, and lean on your peers. Together, we can weather this storm—and maybe even come out stronger on the other side.
Fundraising In Tumultuous Times Isn’t Easy, But It’s Possible—and It’s Necessary
By staying intentional, transparent, and adaptable, we can continue to transform our organizations and the communities we serve. I’d love to hear what’s working for you and what challenges you’re facing.
Leave a comment below or share this post with colleagues who could use a little encouragement and inspiration. Let’s keep this conversation going and keep transforming our fundraising—so we can transform the world.
With heaps of gratitude,
Tammy Zonker
Major Gift Expert & Keynote Speaker
“Remember, storms don’t last forever. The organizations that come through the other side are those that stay bold, stay connected, and stay intentional.”
Tammy Zonker, Founder & President, Fundraising Transformed / President & Dean, Modern Institute for Charitable Giving
The Intentional Fundraiser podcast has been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 80 Fundraising Podcasts on the web—and we’re honored to be ranked No. 11!
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with our community! The Intentional Fundraiser podcast has been selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 80 Fundraising Podcasts on the web—and we’re honored to be ranked No. 11!
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Here’s to making a difference—together!
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