Fundraising in a Slow or Chaotic Economy
What Smart Nonprofits Do Differently
“I accept chaos. I’m not sure whether it accepts me.”
Economic uncertainty can feel like a heavy fog for nonprofit fundraisers. Interest rates shift, donors pull back, budgets tighten, and the headlines seem to change by the hour. It’s enough to make even seasoned fundraisers wonder how to keep momentum strong.
But here’s the good news: donors don’t stop caring during chaotic times.
In fact, many organizations see consistent—or even increased—support when they stay focused, communicate clearly, and double down on donor relationships.
Below are practical, mindset-steadying tips to help you and your organization keep fundraising strong even when the broader economy feels anything but.
1. Lean Into Relationships, Not Assumptions
When the economy wobbles, fundraisers often assume donors will give less. But assumptions close doors.
Instead:
Pick up the phone. Ask donors how they’re doing and what they’re paying attention to right now.
Listen more than you talk. This builds trust and helps you tailor your messaging.
Stay visible and present. The organizations that stay connected during tough seasons are the ones donors continue to support.
Remember: donors don’t need perfection—just presence.
2. Sharpen Your Case for Support
A slow or chaotic economy forces clarity. Donors need to understand:
Why your mission matters right now
Who is affected if funding slows
What their gift accomplishes immediately
How your organization is stewarding resources responsibly
If your messaging feels fuzzy or outdated, this is the moment to refresh it.
A strong case for support includes:
A concise problem statement
Your solution (programs, services, outcomes)
Cost and impact (“A gift of $X helps…”)
Stories that humanize the work
A clear and urgent call to action
3. Focus on Retention Above All Else
It’s always cheaper to keep a donor than to acquire a new one—and this is especially true in an unpredictable economy.
Strengthen retention by:
Increasing your touchpoints (email updates, thank-you calls, impact notes)
Ensuring donors feel seen and appreciated
Sharing small wins and human stories, not just big milestones
Offering meaningful ways for donors to stay involved beyond giving
Retention is your stabilizing anchor when acquisition becomes harder.
4. Prepare Multiple Scenarios (and Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot)
Create three simple plans:
Best case (donor giving strengthens or stabilizes)
Expected case (flat giving)
Caution case (10–20% dip in revenue)
This helps you:
Make smart decisions earlier
Communicate challenges transparently with leadership
Stay nimble rather than reactive
Donors appreciate (and support!) organizations that manage resources thoughtfully, especially when external conditions shift.
5. Keep Communicating—Even When You Don’t Have Big News
Silence feels scary to donors. It signals uncertainty even when none exists.
Keep communication steady with:
Mission-focused updates
Impact snapshots
Short videos or quotes from front-line staff
Behind-the-scenes looks at how you’re adapting
In a chaotic environment, consistency builds confidence.
6. Offer Giving Options That Fit the Moment
During economic dips, flexibility helps donors continue supporting you.
Make sure donors know they can:
Give monthly at a lower, more manageable amount
Join a mid-level giving program
Make non-cash gifts (stock, DAF, crypto, property)
Sponsor specific projects or items
Split a larger annual gift into installments
These options can turn a “not right now” into a meaningful “yes.”
7. Stay Grounded in Your Mission (and Help Your Team Do the Same)
When fundraising feels harder, morale can dip. Refocus your team by:
Celebrating small wins
Sharing donor praise
Revisiting your “why” regularly
Encouraging rest and sustainable pace
A grounded team builds a grounded organization—and donors feel that stability.
Final Thought
Fundraising in a slow or chaotic economy isn’t about working harder. It’s about working steadier: strengthening relationships, clarifying your message, and staying closely connected to what matters most.
Your donors still care.
Your mission still matters.
And with the right approach, you can continue raising the resources you need—even in unpredictable times.
