Foundation grants, check. Corporate support, check. What else can nonprofits do to diversify funding streams? 

In recent articles, we’ve discussed foundation grants and corporate support as potential avenues to explore for organizations affected by federal funding cuts. While these funding streams can help fill some of the gaps, they’re only a partial remedy for a sector that has been heavily reliant on government support. So, what else can nonprofits do to ensure they can go on serving their communities? Here are a few ideas: 

Revisit and update your case for support  

The kind of urgent, focused messaging we discussed using in foundation grant applications will be effective when applying for other sources of support as well. Now is the time to ensure everyone in the organization is on the same page with its communications, telling a clear, consistent story about the value of your core programs and impact. Our case for support template can help you explain why they should support you now, with a compelling call to action.  

Position your organization for visibility  

Even with a strong case for support, funders and donors can only support your nonprofit if they’re aware of the work you do. Building visibility requires a multi-pronged approach, including keeping your website up to date, communicating regularly with your supporters via social media or newsletters, and building your network and showing up at events.  

Meanwhile, don’t neglect your Candid profile! Just as you research potential funders, funders and donors research nonprofits using Candid data. Updating your nonprofit’s Candid profile to earn a 2025 Seal of Transparency is a free, quick, and simple way to boost your visibility and credibility with foundations, individual donors, and donor-advised funds.  

Look into new funding streams  

Keep in mind that while it’s often faster than federal grants, obtaining foundation funding is still a slow process, with typical wait times of between six and nine months between submitting an application and actually receiving the funds. Foundation and corporate support are great avenues to pursue, but you should also be seeking other funding streams as well. Check out our free fundraising planning resources for practical tools to help you diversify your funding streams and plan ahead. You can also use this tool to help assess your fundraising strategies and look for new revenue from individual donors and earned income. But the fastest way to bring in more money may be to ask those who currently give. 

Talk to your current supporters 

Keeping in touch with every donor and funder who currently supports you is especially vital right now. These are the supporters who have already proven that they care about your work and share your values. As investors in your cause, they have a vested interest in helping ensure your sustainability. And if they’re aware of just how much you need support, they may also be able to give more.  

Talk to the foundations that fund you. They may have discretionary funds or new ways to give that you would be eligible for. They can also potentially introduce you to new prospective funders or give you advice. Board members and individual donors can likely give more, too, and if engaged, can invite others to support your cause. Ongoing communication and stewardship builds trust and loyalty, and prioritizing this relationship-building work is precisely what keeps donors retained and ambassadors of your nonprofit.  

Collaborate 

We as a sector are more sustainable working together than as separate, individual organizations. It will be vital for you to lean on, as well as support, your fellow nonprofits and other partners going forward, elevating one another’s complementary strengths. This could be an informal collaboration such as sharing space or equipment, cross-promoting one another’s programming or events for greater visibility, or developing a joint grant request for a shared program. Or it could be a formal collaboration such as a merger, if that’s needed to keep crucial programs alive. Check out our resource on nonprofit collaborations to explore different options, or read more about partnerships.  

This year continues to be filled with uncertainty, and no one piece of advice can be a cure-all for the challenges the nonprofit sector faces, but with a focus on diversifying funding streams, organizations are more likely to sustain their work through the coming years. Good luck out there, and share your ideas and lessons learned below in the comments!  

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