Don’t Be Afraid to Think Big…Or Bigger! As fundraisers, we carry the heavy responsibility of generating support for the organization whose mission we are dedicated to advancing. That typically involves securing donations to support the essential daily activities of the organization. Our success, along with that of our organization or institution, is often measured by achieving annual, monthly, or even weekly goals. Reaching these goals means more people are fed; more children are educated, housed, or cared for; scholarships are given to increasing numbers of students; missionaries can reach new communities; art museums can grow their collections; and many other vital needs are met. Countless worthwhile causes deserve the support of the generous benefactors we aim to engage. It is fulfilling—and a huge relief—when we meet our goals, which helps keep the books balanced. Whew! The need to balance the books, however, can limit our horizons and stop us from thinking bigger. We naturally must focus on reaching our short-term goals and meeting immediate needs. Those immediate needs are certainly important, and we are dedicated to helping ensure they are met. But what if we expand our thinking beyond just meeting short-term goals to finding opportunities to involve potential benefactors in longer-term, broader solutions to the immediate challenges we want to address? Leaders responsible for establishing the vision for the organization are tasked with figuring out how to support the mission and address needs. However, they should also look beyond immediate priorities and, working with their teams and key volunteer leaders, find ways for the organization to go further than just meeting short-term philanthropic goals. This doesn’t mean changing the mission, but rather exploring how the organization can strengthen its ability to fulfill it through:
Granted, some of these suggestions, especially those involving expanding volunteer opportunities and engagement, require time and effort. People who support our cause at any level demonstrate an interest in helping solve a problem. A strategic approach that targets benefactors and potential benefactors who likely share an interest in our work and have the financial capacity to make meaningful philanthropic contributions will probably be worthwhile. These are not new ideas. Instead, they may serve as a reminder—or even a gentle nudge—to think beyond the basics, the balance of the books, and short-term goals, and to elevate your ambitions and aspirations for the organization you serve. Doing so can be energizing, and the results will be rewarding! |
Winning Over Corporate Donors
David King says this is a bit much about not so much.  “Since corporate giving makes up only 5% of total donations (and has always been that way), and half of that consists of in-kind donations (mainly pharmaceuticals and software), I’m not sure this will make much difference either way. Additionally, this doesn’t affect companies that already have established foundations and donate through them, nor does it influence the giving that comes out of marketing budgets (like sponsorships).” |
Charities that rely on corporate giving will have to work smarter to attract new support and solidify existing relationships. Here’s how nonprofits might do that.
Show how your mission enhances their bottom line.
When it comes to priorities, companies are focusing on local communities—especially when it benefits the areas where they do business. They’re considering how they can help meet the immediate need for basic human services that some employees and communities currently face.
Be thoughtful about your online presence.
Corporate donors are evaluating your organization’s digital footprint, so make a strong first impression online. Before partnering with you, companies want to ensure you’ve built a good relationship with your community, am I proud of what I have out there. Because that matters.
Hold events that forge and expand corporate partnerships.
Many nonprofit groups stopped hosting fundraising events during the Covid era, but companies are often eager to sponsor large gatherings for the positive publicity they bring. Seeking sponsors for an event can help you get your foot in the door with a company, connecting your brands and opening up more opportunities for future investment.
Persuade companies to realign when they fall short of your shared goals.
Sometimes businesses get cold feet and want to cut back on their giving or withdraw from agreements. Keep the lines of communication open to maintain their investment. Remind corporate leaders that a good partnership is a two-way street and that building a strong community around their business benefits everyone mutually.
More here.
Funding Whiplash Reshaped the Nonprofit Work Force
Jaci Thiede weighs in on the nonprofit job market.  “Whiplash is the perfect way to describe what’s happening in the non-profit job market, and it isn’t good for the sector’s long-term health. It reminds me of the 1990s and 2000s, when organizations experienced a roller coaster of hiring for campaign staff instead of adopting a slow, steady approach that would lead to more stability and better results over time. Things will eventually settle down and rebound, but it might take past 2026 to see that happen, so hold on tight!” |
After years of rebuilding their staffs from COVID-era cuts, nonprofits entered 2025 expecting to continue hiring. Instead, many found themselves reducing staffing. Federal grants were paused or clawed back; contracts once considered secure fell through, and organizations that spent years stabilizing their workforces were suddenly forced to downsize, freeze hiring, or eliminate entire programs. The result was a nonprofit job market that tightened suddenly. As 2026 gets underway, the nonprofit workforce still faces uncertainty, with fewer stable jobs, more competition, and little clarity about what comes next.
Hiring Expectations Collapse
By the end of 2024, 52% of nonprofits planned to hire new staff in the upcoming year, according to the Urban Institute. However, within the first four to six months of 2025, that percentage dropped to 38%. New data from the nonprofit job board Idealist shows that while layoffs are a major factor in this decline, many workers are also leaving voluntarily.
Layoffs and Caution
While layoffs rose across the U.S. economy last year, the nonprofit sector experienced a much sharper contraction. Unlike many private-sector employers, nonprofits often must reduce staff even when demand for their services remains high if they lack the funding to pay salaries. A recent analysis found that nonprofit organizations cut 28,696 jobs in 2025—more than quadrupling from the 5,640 cut during the first 11 months of 2024.
More Competition, Fewer Stable Roles
State nonprofit associations report changes in the types of roles listed on their job boards. Many have seen an increase in short-term and contract positions, especially in development, as organizations attempt to diversify revenue streams without committing long-term. This shift has increased competition between longtime nonprofit workers seeking advancement and newcomers from government or private sectors, often with salary expectations that many nonprofits cannot afford.
What 2026 Could Bring
Independent Sector’s 2025 Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector report shows that workforce strain goes beyond layoffs. With unpredictable budgets, many nonprofits are choosing not to fill open positions. More than 10% of nonprofits report having at least 21% of their roles vacant.
More here.
We Know the Performing Arts
For more than 35 years, Alexander Haas has been a fixture in the nonprofit community. We are honored to have worked with leading performing arts and cultural organizations across the country that help communities be a better place to live. Just ask our clients.
Face It: Arts Organizations are Different
Our services aren’t cookie cutter. We don’t operate with a boilerplate, merely changing names and locations. We craft each and every service we provide to match your organization’s unique needs, wants and abilities. We work hard and expect you to do the same. Together we can help you transform your arts organization, your fundraising, and the unique community you serve.
Whether your need is in Capital Campaign, Annual Fund Campaign, Major Gifts, Leadership Annual Giving, Planned Giving or all of the above, we take a fresh approach to nonprofit fundraising.
Our Pre-Campaign Counsel Helps You Get Started
David King explains why it’s so important. “One of the most important, yet often overlooked, elements of a successful campaign is pre-campaign planning. I don’t mean just writing a generic campaign plan. When we get involved early in a campaign, we can identify weaknesses early on, which gives us time to make corrections BEFORE the campaign officially begins. Every campaign is different, and it’s crucial that the planning considers the unique circumstances of the organization.” |
Thinking about launching a fundraising campaign for your nonprofit or institution? Unsure how to get started? Already know how to begin but want to develop a winning strategy? Alexander Haas’ fundraising consultants offer valuable objectivity and experience to help you achieve a highly successful campaign. Our Pre-Capital Campaign Planning includes a range of actions that help guide an organization toward a well-organized and successful fundraising process. Including, among many other things:
Contact Alexander Haas today to learn how we can help your organization meet its fundraising and capital goals.
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