Four Essential Tips for Nonprofit Sustainability in 2025

As we reach the midpoint of the year, nonprofit leaders are seeking strategies to adapt to the evolving landscape. Nonprofit sustainability is top of mind for everyone.

Here are four insights I've gathered over the past six months that can help your nonprofit not just survive, but flourish throughout 2025.

Streamline Administrative Costs

Nonprofits frequently struggle to achieve a lot with very few resources. To make ends meet, many organizations reduce their budget allocations. Once you’ve trimmed as much as possible, a key strategy is to merge administrative costs. Are there various departments each with their own administrative expenses? If feasible and permissible within your organization, consider pooling administrative resources across departments to decrease expenditures.

Get Strategic with Your Grant Research

Time is valuable, and it’s essential for nonprofit leaders to conserve both time and resources. Many in this sector believe that submitting more grant applications will lead to greater success. However, I contend that nonprofit leaders should prioritize the quality of their grant research rather than the number of applications. This strategy can lead to time savings and ultimately enhance the chances of securing funding.

Pay attention to specifics, like whether the funder has recently supported organizations in your region. Verify if the amount you're requesting is appropriate. Additionally, compare the funding amounts given to new grantees with those renewing their grants.

For grant research, I highly recommend Instrumentl. It provides comprehensive information in a single location. Explore it yourself with an exclusive three-week trial link available here.

Improve Nonprofit Sustainability by Bartering

Bartering involves swapping goods or services without the use of money. This method allows your organization to obtain necessary resources while staying within a limited budget. When utilized wisely, bartering can serve as an effective survival strategy, enabling your nonprofit to navigate challenging circumstances.

Collaborate on Grant Proposals

In times of limited funding, grantmakers aim to maximize their impact by supporting a wide range of nonprofits. Therefore, it might be beneficial to collaborate with other organizations on joint grant proposals. There are effective strategies and key elements to keep in mind during this process. When executed properly, such collaborations can yield great results.

This is merely an introduction. Reach out to us to delve deeper into these ideas and receive a personalized strategy designed for your organization.

Need help? Schedule a complimentary consultation today.

-Shavonn

About Shavonn V. Richardson, MBA, GPC

Shavonn is the Founder and CEO of Think and Ink Grant Consulting. As a former nonprofit leader and grantmaker, Shavonn has over 25 years of experience delivering practical, real-world advice to organizations worldwide.  Shavonn earned the GPC (Grant Professional Certified) credential from the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI) in 2020, is a Grant Professionals Association Approved Trainer, and is a GPCI Approved Education Provider. Shavonn also serves as President of the Grant Professionals Association.

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