How Nonprofits Can Survive Budget Cuts Without Sacrificing Donor Acquisition

How Nonprofits Can Survive Budget Cuts Without Sacrificing Donor Acquisition

From Go Beyond Fundraising: The Podcast for Nonprofits by Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing Podcast by Pursuant

April 15, 2025 · 28 min

About this episode

This episode discusses strategies for nonprofits to prioritize donor acquisition despite budget cuts.

The recent sweeping cuts to USAID and other federal programs have rattled fundraisers across the country and in all sectors. Uncertainty is widespread as nonprofit leaders wait to see just what the fallout will be. Whether your organization was impacted or is anticipating a budget shortfall, scaling back on riskier strategies like acquisition can be tempting. In fact, media spending, testing, and other efforts that help you reach potential donors are often the first things to go. But if you’re not seeking new donors, how will you replace those you lose through natural attrition? What about the ones who have to give less due to their own financial hardships? In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we’re making the case for prioritizing acquisition — especially when you’ve been hit with unexpected budget cuts. Two Allegiance Group + Pursuant AVPs, Erin Robertson and J.C. Bouvier, share how you can use this difficult time to attract new prospects. And if the budget crunch hasn’t hit yet, they have tips to help you prepare. By staying true to your mission and leading into your opportunities, you can weather this storm

People in this episode

Guests: Erin Robertson, J.C. Bouvier

Topics covered

  • budget cuts
  • donor acquisition
  • nonprofit fundraising
  • financial strategies

Keywords

  • USAID
  • federal programs
  • media spending
  • testing
  • new prospects

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Go Beyond Fundraising

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