Diversify funding to build resilience. Explore philanthropic, corporate, and high-net-worth individual (HNWI) funding to create a more balanced revenue mix. Not all organizations will benefit from exploring all types of donor segments–do some market research, and figure out what works best for your organization.

Leverage your existing donor base. Your current and past funders are often the best first step in securing additional support. Reach out proactively to discuss bridge funding, emergency grants, or introductions to new funding sources. Be transparent, honest, and forward looking.

Reframe your work for different funders. Different donors prioritize different impact areas, so positioning matters. Tailor your messaging while staying true to your mission—for example, perhaps highlight sustainability for impact investors, systems change for institutional donors, and innovation for corporate funders.

Embrace collaboration for greater opportunities. Funding competition is high, but partnerships can open new doors. Pursue joint funding applications, co-create projects with aligned organizations, and explore strategic partnerships to strengthen proposals.

Be transparent with donors—but show confidence. Funders want to see you succeed. They will appreciate honesty, but they also need to trust your ability to navigate challenges. Communicate funding gaps clearly while demonstrating a thoughtful plans for financial sustainability and program continuity.

Adapt and negotiate where needed. When funding shifts, flexibility is key to keeping core programs running. Work with funders to adjust timelines, scale, or reporting requirements as needed while protecting essential services.