Navigating Uncertainty:

Fundraising in a Shifting Economy

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

Uncertainty is not new. But when it feels tangible — when it shows up in headlines about tariffs, volatile markets, and political proposals — it naturally changes how people think about their giving.

Today’s environment requires nonprofit leaders to recognize a simple but vital truth: donors, even those deeply committed to our missions, are re-evaluating everything. They are not walking away from generosity. They are balancing it carefully against a backdrop of financial caution, emotional reaction, and long-term planning.

I was reminded of this reality during the 2008 financial crisis, when I approached a billionaire donor — someone for whom a $100,000 gift should have been routine. His answer stunned me:

"Rolando, right now, we don't know what's coming. This is as bad as I've ever seen it... For all we know, we may have riots in the streets soon unless we can keep the economy from crashing."

He wasn't being dramatic. He was being honest — and, more importantly, he was acting on emotion as much as fact.

This lesson holds true today. Foundations, family offices, and individual philanthropists are stewards of their resources, and many are quietly tightening their giving until the dust settles. Just recently, in conversation with two South Florida foundation leaders, I heard the same careful tone: a great pride in what they support but an equally deep responsibility to preserve their endowments for the long term.

It’s a critical reminder: It’s not always about the amount available. It’s about the emotional and sensible readiness to give now.

So, what should nonprofits do at this moment? Here are a few guiding principles:

Understand their perspective. Recognize that even generous supporters are balancing uncertainty with optimism.

Leave the door open. If donors cannot commit now, suggest pledges without fixed payment dates or propose a future visit once the environment improves.

Maintain visibility. As one wise businessman once told a board contemplating cuts: when times are tough, don't retreat — engage. Visibility and smart planning matter even more during downturns.

Finally, this is another reminder — as I often stress — why nonprofits must not over-rely on government funding. Public money is fickle; today's funding can quickly become tomorrow’s cut. Strong organizations use times of abundance to diversify their support, not rest on it.

The future remains uncertain — but it is not bleak. Most people believe, as they always have, in the resilience of the United States. Our role as nonprofit leaders is not just to ask for support, but to assure our supporters that we are partners for the long haul — steady, grateful, and forward-looking.

Need guidance or want to discuss some steps you can take? Set up a time for a call or Zoom here or feel free to email me at roland@cphilanthropy.com

Looking ahead with you,