Reasons to be hopeful, even in times like these

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. In other words, 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. In other words, 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 all are still on the menu. Now is not the time to take a step back.

Step up your own game

There is no better time to get better at fundraising than during a challenging time. You and your team may look back and be glad you were forced to get more efficient, creative, and strategic about engaging donors in every aspect of giving, including endowment and legacy giving. Double down on testing new ideas on a few donors so you can "fail small" and see what works. When you see results from a particular strategy, take note. If something works during really tough times, imagine what could happen when things turn around.

Please reach out to the community foundation team. We are happy to serve as a sounding board to help you navigate these turbulent times so that your organization can emerge stronger and better than before. Philanthropy is essential to maintaining and improving the quality of life in our community, and we are all in this together.

This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice.

If you have questions and would like to learn more, please contact Brian Reitz at breitz@akroncf.org.