Dear friends,

Here at Avalon, we’ve been thinking a lot about the conversations we’ve had with so many of you lately—about uncertainty, urgency, and the weight of leading right now. We know how much clarity and conviction matter in moments like this, so I wanted to share COO Kerri Kerr’s vision for leading the way forward.

This isn’t just a pep talk. It’s a call to lead boldly, stay visible, and keep building the future we all believe in. I hope it resonates.

Now Is the Time to Meet the Moment:
10 Anchors for Nonprofit Resilience

By Kerri Kerr

1. Be Strategic, Not Silent

This is a time to invest smartly, not shrink quietly. At every turn, fundraisers must advocate for good strategy—not only to meet today’s needs, but also to build tomorrow’s strength. Every touchpoint is an opportunity to generate momentum and ensure your organization remains visible and relevant.

2. Ask the Right Questions

Yes, cost containment matters. However, it should not come at the expense of future growth. We urge you to resist gutting programs or chasing shiny, unproven fixes. Instead, ask for nuanced solutions that balance savings with stability. Strong leaders and smart fundraisers are willing to hold the complexity: How will you adapt today without dismantling future strength?

3. Take Care of Your People

Your staff is your momentum. Across the sector, turnover threatens to slow progress and undermine stability. Investing in your team with clarity, care, and consistency is one of the most strategic decisions you can make—especially in today’s climate.

4. Build for the Long Game

There’s a reason why fundraising is also called “development.” The programs you manage today are the ones that will power your mission five, ten, even twenty years from now. Cutting them risks long-term setbacks. Developing them supports future strength and impact.

5. Experience Matters

Every moment of volatility feels new, but the core playbook endures. Nonprofits that have navigated uncertainty before know what it takes to stay focused, be strategic, and move forward. Now is the time to draw on that experience.

6. Let Fundraising Be a Force for Good

Fundraising isn’t just about revenue; it’s about mobilizing communities, advancing values, and deepening engagement. When done right, it is mission delivery. This is how your supporters become your movement.

7. Stay Visible in a Time of Legacy Thinking

The great wealth transfer is already underway. People are making decisions about what they want their legacy to be, and whom they trust to carry it forward. Your organization should be present in the conversation as a trusted legacy partner.

8. Lead with Values (Your Donors Are Watching)

Your community is looking for leadership. This is the moment to show up with clarity, courage, and conviction. When you do, donors respond not only with dollars, but with long-term trust and commitment.

9. Grow Your Movement by Inviting New Voices In

More people than ever recognize the need to act—to protect the planet, defend human dignity, and preserve democracy and culture. This moment is an opportunity to bring new supporters into your mission and show them how they can make a difference. Inclusivity and accessibility continue to be critical goals.

10. Define the Future, Don’t Wait for It

Don’t get stuck in a defensive posture. Nonprofit organizations have a chance to shape what comes next (and they should). The ones that show up, speak out, and stay connected will be the ones that lead movements, not just weather storms.

Together, we face serious challenges, and your organizations are beacons of hope and strength. Now is the time to rise, to meet the moment with ambition, to speak loudly for what matters, and to build the future we all want to see. Thank you for your dedication and courage. We are grateful, and Avalon is proud to support you.