Navigating uncertainty: How nonprofits can support each other

If you’ve been in the nonprofit world for even a little while, you know that stability can feel like a moving target. One day, everything is steady, and the next, a major grant gets delayed, a funding source dries up, a recession or a pandemic or a federal funding freeze happens. It’s frustrating. It’s exhausting. And if we’re being honest, it’s downright scary at times. But if there’s one thing I’ve seen over and over, it’s that this sector is built on resilience. We don’t just adapt—we hold each other up. And no matter what happens next week, next month, or next year, there’s no other industry that supports one another more than the nonprofit sector. 

Finding stability in uncertain times

When things get shaky, the instinct is often to double down, push harder, and try to make up for what’s missing. But let’s be real: you’re already doing everything you can. This isn’t about doing more—it’s about recognizing that it’s okay to feel the weight of it all and giving yourself (and your team) the space to process it.

What actually helps in moments like these? A few thoughts on this… 

• Admitting that this is hard. You don’t have to pretend everything is fine. Check in with your entire team when things are overwhelming and let people process what is happening. 
• Connecting with peers who get it—the ones who understand the stress and pressure firsthand. I’ve found that group chats and email threads with friends can actually be a lifeline in difficult times. 
• Finding spaces, whether online, at conferences, or within trusted networks, where you can be honest about what you’re facing and hear from others who are navigating similar challenges. 

Leaning into community

When funding is uncertain, the relationships we’ve built matter more than ever. A quick conversation with a colleague, a funder, or a board member can shift your perspective and remind you that you’re not in this alone.

Where can you turn for support?

• Honest conversations. Sometimes, just saying things out loud to someone who understands can make all the difference.
• Shared resilience. This sector is full of people who are facing similar challenges. We don’t have to figure it all out by ourselves.
• Self-care isn’t optional. The stress of uncertainty is real. Prioritizing your well-being and that of your team isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for long-term sustainability.

We’ll get through this together

There’s no sugarcoating it—uncertainty is hard. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that nonprofits don’t back down when things get tough. We lean in. We show up for each other. We remind one another why we do this work in the first place.

This isn’t about hustling harder or solving everything overnight. It’s about holding onto the fact that we are part of something bigger, and no one has to navigate this alone. We’re in this together, and together, we’ll find our way through.

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Cherian Koshy

Cherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP® is Vice President at Kindsight and has spent over two decades helping nonprofits build sustainable fundraising practices. He serves on the AFP Global Board and regularly speaks about fundraising innovation and donor engagement.