Oct 14, 2025
What happens when the money that fuels your mission becomes harder to secure?
This article is the second installment in Talley’s Global Playbook, our series on global expansion, exploring how inflation, funding cuts, economic pressures and more impact nonprofit growth and what leaders can do to adapt.
What happens when the funding that fuels your mission becomes harder to secure?
During a recent ICCA session, an international association leader made a point that resonated with everyone: associations are mission-driven, but without money there is no mission. The challenge is finding the balance. How can associations deliver value and advance their mission while still operating sustainably? In Europe, being a nonprofit does not mean you cannot generate a surplus. Any profit is typically reinvested into society and member value.
For nonprofits, funding drives every program and initiative. Yet grants are shrinking, sponsorships are harder to land, and donors are stretching their dollars across more organizations. For nonprofits operating across multiple regions, this challenge is amplified by differing funding priorities, currency fluctuations, and regional economic pressures. Competition is rising while needs are growing. Leaders must now ask, "How will we adapt to keep our mission strong?"
Why Funding is Different Today
Foundations are narrowing their priorities, focusing on fewer causes, and making traditional grants harder to access. Corporations facing economic uncertainty often scale back sponsorships and community giving. At the same time, inflation and market volatility affect individual giving. For organizations with international programs, these pressures are amplified by local economic differences and donor behavior.
The New Funding Landscape
The funding environment has shifted in ways that affect every nonprofit:
- Declining grant availability. In the United States, many associations and nonprofits can apply directly for grants from federal agencies and private foundations. In Europe, major funding often comes from large institutional programs such as those managed by the European Union, which prioritize policy-driven and collaborative projects. Outside the US and Europe, government grant opportunities for smaller associations or NGOs can be less common. Significant funding is frequently provided by large international organizations such as the World Bank or United Nations agencies.
- Reduced corporate sponsorships. Mergers and acquisitions among companies can further impact corporate sponsorship and community investment. When corporations merge or are acquired, their sponsorship budgets and philanthropic strategies are often re-evaluated. This can lead to reduced, redirected, or discontinued support for nonprofit organizations, especially in regions where business climates and philanthropic practices are already in flux.
- Private donations under pressure. Higher living costs and market fluctuations affect individual giving. Even loyal donors may reduce the size or frequency of contributions. For nonprofits with global programs, variations in donor behavior and local conditions can further complicate fundraising efforts.
Competition is growing, and a compelling mission alone is not enough. Organizations must demonstrate clear impact and results both locally and globally.
Strategies to Navigate Resource Competition
Nonprofits can strengthen their resilience by diversifying revenue streams. Combining grants, corporate partnerships, donor campaigns, and earned income opportunities reduces risk. Programs like fee-for-service training, membership models, or social enterprises can generate revenue and deepen community engagement. For organizations with international programs, diverse funding helps manage regional economic differences and currency fluctuations.
Sharpening your value proposition is essential. Funders want clear evidence of impact. Highlight measurable results, such as increased graduation rates or program outcomes. Specific data builds trust and sets your organization apart locally and globally.
Collaboration can turn competition into opportunity. Aligning an association’s mission and activities, such as conferences or educational programs, with national governmental priorities can open new avenues for partnership, increase visibility, and help secure resources from public sector stakeholders.
Investing in donor relationships is key. Globally, many associations rely on sponsorships, partnership agreements, membership fees, or business collaborations rather than traditional charitable donations. Personalized communication, transparent reporting, and stories showing the impact of support can turn one-time contributors into long-term advocates. Donor management tools help track engagement and tailor outreach, especially for international supporters.
How Talley Supports Nonprofit Leaders
Funding challenges are real, but nonprofits do not have to face them alone.
At Talley, we help nonprofits navigate funding challenges by stabilizing resources, diversifying revenue, strengthening value propositions and more. These strategies help organizations deliver mission-driven impact locally and globally, even when securing funding is more competitive than ever.