What’s Next for Nonprofits: 2025 Predictions from Sector Experts

In a world of constant change—economic shifts, political turbulence, and unexpected crises—how can nonprofit leaders ensure their organizations remain stable and strong? In this episode, I share four key questions every nonprofit leader should ask to assess vulnerabilities, prepare for external challenges, and strengthen their organization from the inside out. By focusing on what truly matters and filtering out the noise, you’ll be better equipped to navigate uncertainty with confidence.What You’ll Learn:The four essential questions to assess your organization’s resilience.How to apply these questions across different areas, including funding, legal risks, reputation, and operations.Why having proactive discussions with your board and team is crucial for long-term sustainability.Key Takeaways:Strategic focus is key – Not everything is equally important; prioritize what is strategically necessary.Proactive planning prevents crisis – Identifying risks now helps you navigate future challenges more effectively.Resilience starts internally – Strengthening your organization from within ensures long-term impact.Resources MentionedResilience Ready Toolkit – A comprehensive guide with risk assessment worksheets, scenario planning templates, and policy models. Grab yours at brookerichiebabbage.com/resiliencereadyWant to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

I love this episode! Every year I ask a group of the most insightful, creative, on the ground, impact-driving social sector experts I know to share their predictions for this coming year. This year, we have a great compilation, covering everything from AI to corporate partnerships, to finance to personal development.Predictons are obviously just that - carefully considered insights into what we think is coming. But these folks are on the ground doing the real work of supporting nonprofits and nonprofit leaders - they’ve got their pulse on trends - what to pay attention to , what you may have missed, and what you can safely ignore as distractions.I hope you enjoy listening to this episode and get as much out of it as I have in pulling it together!PredictionsNaomi Korb Weiss discusses DEI challenges and nonprofit response.Daniel Francavilla talks about authentic storytelling with AI.Perry Radford explores burnout and sustainable work.Tanya Bhattacharya highlights executive visibility and trust.Heather Nelson shares insights on deeper corporate partnerships.Steven Newland examines economic shifts and fundraising.Tasha Van Vlack emphasizes community-building for connection.Naomi Hattaway covers leadership transitions and planning.Kel Haney focuses on personalized donor engagement.A Few Key TakeawaysThe Need for Strategic Adaptability: Nonprofits must stay agile and proactive in the face of shifting economic conditions, political landscapes, and evolving donor expectations. Leaders need to focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes.Trust and Transparency Are Non-Negotiable: With declining trust in institutions, nonprofits will need to double down on transparency, authenticity, and consistent engagement with their communities and stakeholders to build credibility and deepen relationships.A Shift Toward More Personalized Engagement: Whether in fundraising, donor stewardship, or community-building, the future lies in meaningful, tailored interactions that foster deeper loyalty and engagement at an individual level.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

in this episode, I dive into one of the most critical challenges nonprofit leaders face: the growth edge. It’s that pivotal point where your comfort zone meets the potential for transformation—but it’s also where fear and resistance often kick in. If you’ve set bold or new goals for the year, this episode will help you recognize when you’re hitting your growth edge and provide actionable strategies to push through it. Growth edges aren’t roadblocks; they’re signs you’re on the right track. Let’s explore how to harness them for your personal and organizational success.What You’ll Learn:How to recognize the signs that you’re hitting a growth edge.The mindset shifts needed to reframe fear as an opportunity for growth.Concrete steps to navigate challenges and turn them into breakthroughs.Key Takeaways:Growth edges are moments of transformation, often disguised as fear or resistance.Recognizing signs like overthinking, procrastination, or emotional resistance can help you reframe challenges as opportunities.Progress starts with one small, actionable step—don’t wait for the perfect time or plan.Steps to Navigate Your Growth Edge:Reframe Fear: Treat fear as a signal of growth, not danger. Recognize that discomfort means you’re moving in the right direction.Envision the Future: Create a clear vision of what’s on the other side of growth. Identify potential outcomes like a restructured team or more engaged donors.Break It Down: Focus on one small, actionable step instead of tackling the entire challenge. Progress starts with simplicity.Get Support: Build a community of mentors, coaches, or peers who’ve faced similar growth edges.Resources MentionedLeadership Mindset PlaylistWant to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

HR9495 is stirring up concern among nonprofit leaders, particularly those engaged in advocacy, grassroots, and social justice work. This bill has the potential to heighten scrutiny and even revoke tax-exempt status for organizations deemed "dangerous." In this episode, I break down how you can safeguard your nonprofit from this uncertainty by building resilience in four key areas: mission alignment, governance, compliance, and transparency. I’ll guide you through actionable steps and questions to help your organization stay strong, prepared, and impactful in 2025.What You’ll Learn:Why organizational resilience is critical for navigating scrutiny and funding challenges.The 4 essential areas to focus on: mission alignment, governance, compliance, and transparency.Practical, actionable steps to ensure your nonprofit is prepared for increased oversight.Key Takeaways:Align your programs and activities with your mission to strengthen trust and legitimacy.An engaged and informed board is vital for legal compliance and strategic accountability.Transparent financial and operational practices build donor trust and mitigate risks.Step-by-Step Process:Mission AlignmentAssess whether all programs align with your stated mission.Define clear, mission-aligned success metrics.Ensure advocacy activities comply with IRS and legal guidelines.Action: Collect and organize data to demonstrate impact.GovernanceEnsure board members understand their fiduciary duties.Identify and address organizational risks.Strengthen board committees for compliance and accountability.Action: Conduct a board review and create a risk register.ComplianceReview federal filings, state registrations, and organizational policies.Build systems to handle scrutiny and mitigate compliance gaps.Develop policies for donor privacy, anti-terrorism funding, and whistleblower protections.Action: Conduct a legal audit and update policies.TransparencyDocument internal financial controls and establish clear approval processes.Be transparent about funding sources and expenditures.Action: Review financial controls and address overlooked risk areas.Resources Mentioned:Resilience Ready Toolkit: Includes discussion guides, checklists, models, and templates for mission alignment, governance, compliance, and transparency. Get it here.ACLU Overview of HR9495: In-depth breakdown of the bill and its implications. Visit ACLU.NY Lawyers for Public Interest: Additional perspectives on HR9495. Visit NYLPI.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Are you starting next year with a plan or just a list of to-dos? In this episode, I break down why focusing on outcomes—not just activities—can transform your organization’s strategy and impact. Too often, nonprofit leaders get stuck in activity-based planning that leaves them overwhelmed and disconnected from their mission. But when you center your plans around concrete outcomes, everything changes. I’ll explain the power of outcomes-based planning and how it brings focus, prioritizes resources, and provides clear ways to track progress. If you want your team to feel aligned, purposeful, and effective next year, this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn:Why outcomes-based planning provides clarity and focus for your team.How focusing on results helps prioritize resources like time and money.The role of outcomes in tracking progress and adapting strategies as needed.Key Takeaways:Outcomes give direction. They shift you from a scattered to-do list to a meaningful plan.Resources are optimized. You invest in what truly matters, avoiding wasted effort.Outcomes enable accountability. Clear results allow you to measure progress and pivot when necessary.Step-by-Step Process:Here’s how to shift to outcomes-based planning:Start with the End Result: Ask, “Where do we want to be in a year?” Define clear, concrete outcomes that align with your mission.Work Backwards to Identify Activities: Once the outcomes are clear, determine the activities required to achieve them.Align Resources to Priorities: Evaluate where to invest your time, money, and energy based on which activities deliver the greatest impact.Track and Adjust: Monitor progress towards your outcomes and be ready to pivot if certain activities aren’t delivering results.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

In this episode, I’m diving deep into why individual giving programs are essential for nonprofit organizations—especially those with budgets under $2M. Drawing from my own experience weathering the 2008 recession, I’ll share why individual donors provide one of the most stable and sustainable revenue streams for mission-driven organizations. But here’s the catch: many nonprofits struggle with individual giving because they’ve been taught to approach it the wrong way. From building meaningful relationships to nurturing a true community of supporters, this episode breaks down what it really takes to create a thriving individual giving program. If you’ve ever felt like your fundraising efforts just don’t pay off, this episode is for you!What You’ll Learn:Why individual giving programs are critical for financial stability and growth.Common myths about individual donor programs that lead to frustration and burnout.Practical strategies for building a community of passionate, committed supporters.Key Takeaways:Individual donors provide stability during economic and political upheaval because their giving is rooted in shared values and affinity for your mission.Successful fundraising requires more than just asking for money—nurturing relationships is key.Viewing individual donors as partners in your mission shifts fundraising from transactional to transformative.Step-by-Step Process for Building an Individual Giving Program:Identify the Right People: Focus on finding individuals who are naturally aligned with your mission and values, not just those you know personally.Build Relationships: Use tools like email newsletters, webinars, and live events to nurture connections and create a sense of community around your work.Make the Ask: Once you’ve cultivated relationships, confidently invite your supporters to partner with you through donations.Resources Mentioned:The Nonprofit Growth Hub: A resource to help you align your fundraising strategies with your organization’s growth goals.Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast: My weekly podcast featuring deep dives into nonprofit growth strategies.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

As nonprofit leaders, we often equate growth with bigger numbers—serving more people, running more programs, or expanding reach. But is that truly the story of impact your organization wants to tell? In this quick episode, I explore why growth doesn’t have to mean more numbers and how you can frame your nonprofit’s growth in a way that feels aligned with your mission. I’ll share six different modes of growth to help you articulate your progress and impact to funders and stakeholders without feeling boxed in by traditional metrics. Whether you’re in a refinement stage, focused on depth over breadth, or driving policy change, this episode will help you tell a more meaningful growth story.What You’ll Learn:Why numbers aren’t the only way to define or measure growth.How to align your growth story with your mission and outcomes.Six alternative modes of growth that resonate with funders and stakeholders.Key Takeaways:Growth is not always about serving more people—it can mean doing deeper, more transformative work.Refinement and reflection are vital phases of growth and shouldn’t be overlooked.Nonlinear growth—like increasing influence or sustainability—can be just as impactful as expanding numbers.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

As we wrap up the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect and prepare for a successful 2025. In this episode, I share five key questions to guide your annual fundraising planning. These aren’t just surface-level prompts—they’re designed to help you align your goals, strategies, and systems to ensure your nonprofit thrives in the year ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, these questions will challenge you to think deeply about how you approach fundraising and set your organization up for long-term impact.What You’ll Learn:The five key questions that will transform your fundraising plan.How to ensure your fundraising strategies align with your true costs and goals.Why robust systems and donor stewardship are critical for sustainable growth.Key TakeawaysFundraising should reflect the true cost of your mission, not just immediate needs.Tailored strategies and clear systems drive greater efficiency and impact.Prioritizing donor stewardship fosters long-term relationships and stability.Step-by-Step Process to Plan Your Fundraising:Assess Your Budget: Ensure your fundraising goals cover the full cost of staff, programs, and operations.Evaluate Your Strategies: Focus on high-ROI approaches tailored to your donor base and organizational capacity.Understand Your Donors: Build campaigns that resonate by identifying donor motivations and preferences.Strengthen Your Systems: Implement tools and processes for efficient, sustainable fundraising.Commit to Stewardship: Allocate resources to nurture donor relationships and reduce attrition.Resources Mentioned:Last Week’s Episode on Annual Work Planning: Learn how to create a comprehensive work plan for the year.Guide to Effective Donor Stewardship: Practical tips for building lasting donor relationships.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

In this episode, I share 10 crucial questions that every nonprofit leader should ask to make sure that your organization is set up for resilience, clarity, and impact in the year ahead. The questions in this checklist focus on aligning your goals with your long-term vision, assessing team capacity, and preparing for possible shifts in the external environment. You’ll walk away with a solid plan for creating a balanced, realistic plan that not only supports growth but also builds the strength of your organization from the inside out.What You’ll Learn:How to align your goals for 2025 with long-term organizational prioritiesWhy your team’s understanding of their roles is crucial to achieving impactHow to scenario plan for funding changes and unexpected challengesKey Takeaways:Align Your Goals: Ensure annual goals reflect and support your long-term vision.Capacity is Key: Identify gaps in your team or board that may need attention.Prepare for Uncertainty: Think through contingency plans in case of funding shifts.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

In this audio workshop, I pull back the curtain on the core elements that successful 7-figure nonprofits consistently point to as the reason they were able to grow to and sustain 7-figures - without burning out!By the end of the workshop, you’ll know what it takes to scale and how to begin to integrate these elements into your own growth plans.Want to work together? Apply for the Next Level Nonprofit Accelerator, a high-touch coaching and training accelerator for established organizations that want a smart, powerful playbook for taking their growing organization to the next level. Connect with me! LinkedIn Instagram YouTube