F+H Partners helps organizations implement best-practice fundraising strategies that meet the needs of today, while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. As the New Year approaches, we’ve taken a closer look at the broad trends we are seeing in the sector and identified key strategies and practical steps nonprofits can take today to stay resilient, relevant, and ready.
Strategy 1: Diversify Revenue Streams to Reduce Risk
The strongest nonprofits heading into 2026 will continue to broaden and diversify their contributed revenue. With anticipated federal shifts and continued economic volatility, relying too heavily on any single funding source is risky.
This is where boards play a critical role. Encourage your board to view investment in fundraising not merely as fuel for this year’s budget, but as a long-term risk-management strategy. Annual donor “melt” is natural; retention rates fluctuate, funders change priorities, and circumstances evolve. Replacing that revenue requires ongoing investment in both donor acquisition and stewardship. The more concentrated your funding base, the more vulnerable your organization becomes when one source changes or disappears.
Strategy 2: Cultivate Multi-Year Commitments for Stability and Growth
Your top donors want to create lasting impact, and multi-year commitments unlock that possibility. As we move into 2026, organizations that are not actively seeking three- to five-year pledges from their leading annual donors are limiting their ability to plan boldly and strategically.
Multi-year giving shifts development conversations from “closing the gap” in the operating budget to fueling vision, growth, and innovation. Reliable, multi-year support gives leaders permission to think bigger, invest earlier, and plan further into the future.
Strategy 3: Strengthen Storytelling to Cut Through the Noise
As we highlighted during our Storytelling with Digital Media roundtable in August, storytelling remains an indispensable tool for engagement and fundraising—and its importance will only continue to grow.
We’re all competing for attention, and nonprofits often have just seconds to break through. Building a strong bench of authentic, mission-centered stories is essential. Stories that show real impact, elevate community voices, and connect donors to tangible outcomes help your organization stay visible, credible, and compelling in an increasingly crowded landscape.
Strategy 4: Prioritize Personal Connections—Now More Than Ever
As fundraising channels multiply and inboxes fill up, personal connection is becoming the single most powerful tool nonprofits have. As things get busier and more automated, picking up the phone or meeting a donor face-to-face remains the most effective way to build trust and secure long-term support.
Technology can support fundraising, but it can’t replace relationships. Donors still want to feel known, valued, and connected to the people behind the mission. Organizations that prioritize one-to-one conversations, especially with their most loyal supporters, will be the ones that continue to succeed.
This doesn’t require lavish events. While galas work well for some organizations, many small and mid-sized nonprofits see greater returns from smaller, more personal gatherings or simple coffee meetings with staff and leadership. The more human the interaction, the stronger the relationship and the more durable the support.
Preparing Now for a Stronger 2026
The nonprofits that will thrive in 2026 are preparing now. They’re diversifying revenue, securing long-term commitments, telling their stories with intention, and investing in real relationships. None of these requires massive budgets or sweeping reinvention. It requires focus, consistency, and a willingness to invest in the future before it arrives.