Helping Nonprofits Thrive. Fundraisers Succeed.

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Featured Nonprofit of the Month

Paul "Chip" Hurd
United Way of Lehigh Valley

When you live in the same community for 50 years, relationships go deep. For Chip, who was born and raised and raised his kids in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, many United Way donors are not just professional acquaintances, but personal friends.

VISIONARY VOICES

Zoomed in image of currency showing the capitol building in Washington DC

Why Grantmakers Are Getting Tougher With Nonprofits

The free money era is over. Community foundations and major donors are done funding nonprofits that refuse to plan for the future. If your organization is still relying on grants and emergency appeals, you’re already on borrowed time. No more free rides—it’s survival of the smartest. Funders want to invest in organizations that take sustainability seriously, not those stuck in a cycle of dependency. Stop begging. Start planning. Build an endowment. Invest in planned giving. Adapt, or get left behind. Because in today’s nonprofit world, only the strong will survive.

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A picture of a tin can with a pull tab. The label on the can says "risk," to symbolize that fundraisers and nonprofits must be willing to prioritize fundraising over government grants. This ensures stability, while grant funding remains uncertain and restrictive.

No One Ever Made Money by Panicking

With potential government funding cuts, nonprofits must resist fear-driven reactions and focus on what truly secures their future: philanthropy. Grants come and go, but donor relationships, major gifts, and planned giving provide long-term stability. Relying on political shifts is a gamble—fundraising is the only strategy that puts nonprofits in control. Every handout comes with strings attached, and eventually, those strings can tighten. Now is the time to invest in donor engagement, think strategically, and build financial independence. The strongest nonprofits aren’t the ones that panic; they’re the ones that plan.

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Sign that reads "it's all about relatioships."

The Power of Relationships in Fundraising: Why ‘I’m With Them’ Matters

Fundraising is about relationships, not transactions. Dr. Russell James, in The Primal Fundraiser, explains how donor psychology is driven by two key principles: subjective similarity (“I’m like them!”) and reciprocal alliances (“I’m with them!”). Donors give more when they feel a deep connection—not just support, but true belonging. Fundraisers can foster this by using identity-driven storytelling, inclusive language, and recognition that makes donors feel like partners. When donors shift from giving to belonging, they commit for life, leading to larger and longer-lasting gifts. Strengthen relationships, and you’ll strengthen giving.

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