We’re deep in the heart of election week, and across the nonprofit sector, many teams are feeling the intense pressures and anxieties that come with this politically charged environment.
As the Chronicle of Philanthropy succinctly put it, “One certain thing? This is not going to be a normal week.” For nonprofits, the path forward is complex: they are tasked not only with advancing their missions in uncertain conditions but also with managing the emotional impact of political outcomes on their donors, staff, and communities.
This is a pivotal moment for nonprofit leaders to reinforce their values, build resilience, and offer stability to those around them. Our role is twofold: support our teams’ well-being while navigating donor conversations with integrity and tact.
In this article, we lay out four strategies for moving through this period with empathy and effectiveness, keeping our missions sustainable in both the short and long term. These strategies apply broadly, but we also recognize that some organizations are disproportionately impacted by the current landscape—those whose missions intersect closely with pressing social and political issues. Here’s how to lead through it.
Lead with Empathy: Supporting Your Team and Community
Election-related stress can affect everyone, and nonprofit staff are often at the frontlines, feeling the weight of these conversations.
Recognize that your staff might be navigating not just their workload but also the emotional weight of political outcomes that directly affect them, their families, or the communities they serve.
Whether someone is feeling the weight of current events or approaching them with calm and pragmatism, offering empathy helps to avoid any potential bias while providing leadership strategies that can be adapted to a diverse range of responses, which is key for building a healthy, resilient team. Leaders can:
Provide Clear Communication
For organizations, especially those that may be impacted by political decisions (or those whose work directly intersects with politically sensitive issues), it’s vital to keep open lines of communication. Be transparent about any potential impacts on organizational priorities, funding, or future campaigns, while reassuring staff that the organization’s mission remains steadfast. Let people know that it’s okay to disagree, but the shared purpose of the organization unites everyone.
Offer Support Without Assumptions
Take time to check in individually with team members to understand any specific concerns or needs they may have. Some team members may feel deeply connected to the political moment, while others may prefer to keep their focus on mission-driven work.
Simple gestures like one-on-one meetings where employees can express themselves, provided it’s done in a respectful and inclusive manner, can foster an atmosphere of trust and openness—an open-door policy can go a long way in letting staff know they’re valued and understood.
Reconnect with the Mission
Balance these expressions by reminding staff of the collective mission—the reasons they are here and the impact the continuity of the mission beyond political cycles. Reassure staff that, no matter the outcome, the organization’s mission remains unchanged, and their work continues to matter. For those not feeling as affected, this message of continuity will help align the team and bring focus back to shared goals.
Encourage Respectful Political Boundaries
If political conversations start to overwhelm or divide the team, it may be important to set some clear boundaries around discussions during work hours. Establish clear guidelines for what is appropriate during work hours, ensuring that conversations remain respectful and that personal views do not undermine the team’s unity or focus on the mission.
Rage Giving: What It Means for Philanthropy
Political moments often ignite a phenomenon known as “rage giving”—a surge in donations from individuals motivated by social and political anger.
According to AFP’s 2021 report Engagement: All the Rage—Philanthropy Amid Crisis, rage giving is “sparked by a divisive political moment, fueled by extensive media coverage around said moment, and characterized by a sudden, unexpected increase in donations and a strong emotional response in donors.”
History shows these donations spike in times of perceived political turmoil, as we saw after the 2016 election, Black Lives Matter protests, and major Supreme Court decisions, such as the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade (1973) in 2022.
Conversely, many donors may be energized by the election results, whether they support or oppose the outcome. Some might feel more determined than ever to invest in causes they believe are threatened, but their giving will likely be motivated by hope or commitment, not anger. These supporters will want to know that their donations will make a difference, and organizations should focus on communicating their impact and long-term vision.
The surge in giving—whether driven by frustration, solidarity, or hope—presents an opportunity to engage new and lapsed donors. These are people who may not have previously connected with your organization, but who now feel a compelling need to take action. Acknowledge their support, share the impact of their donations, and foster relationships that keep them engaged long-term. Many donors in this category are seeking a deeper connection to a cause they care about and want to help make the changes that they want to see in the world.
Find Common Ground: Building Donor Trust Through Conversation
In a politically polarized environment, it’s vital to maintain your organization’s position as a neutral, inclusive space.
How can we ensure that conversations with donors remain respectful and supportive, no matter where people fall on the political spectrum? Here are several strategies to navigate these conversations thoughtfully:
Refocus on Shared Goals
No matter where a donor stands politically, they likely agree with the mission of your organization. Remind donors that your collective efforts toward achieving your mission transcend politics and are rooted in shared human values. This focus on the cause, rather than political outcomes, helps reconnect everyone with the purpose that brought them to the organization in the first place.
Encourage Conversations on Policy Impact, Not Politics
Some donors may be concerned about the impact of new policies, especially if they align with a different party’s platform. It’s essential to stay focused on policy outcomes that directly affect your work—such as changes in healthcare, education, or community development laws. Be careful to avoid discussing specific candidates or political parties, as doing so can create tension and potentially erode trust between your donors and staff.
Instead, guide conversations toward how your organization is navigating these shifts and ensuring its continued impact, regardless of what happens on Capitol Hill. Addressing policy, not candidates, allows you to focus on shared goals and maintain positive, productive conversations.
Protect Your 501(c)(3) Status
Donors across the political spectrum will appreciate honesty. If asked about your organization’s political stance, gently steer the conversation toward your mission’s core values. Remind donors that nonprofits must remain nonpartisan to preserve their 501(c)(3) status, ensuring that the organization’s focus is solely on its mission, not on influencing elections or policy.
Focus on Sustainability: Strengthening Operational Resilience
Beyond direct donor conversations, nonprofits need to ensure they’re resilient enough to weather shifts that an election can bring, especially as new policies and funding changes loom.
Election years can be financially volatile, and organizations should prepare for potential adjustments in funding, particularly for nonprofits that may be affected by new policies. This is not about reacting to a single moment in time but building a resilient framework that can withstand various pressures—political, economic, or societal. Here’s how you can start planning for the future:
Scenario Planning
Developing a variety of “what-if” scenarios can help you anticipate and plan for different outcomes. Think through the potential impacts of various political, economic, or social shifts, and use this information to refine your strategies. Scenario planning ensures that your team is agile and prepared to pivot quickly when needed. As nonprofit leaders, you’ll be better equipped to handle unforeseen events, whether they’re related to donor behavior, funding availability, or staffing challenges.
Revisit Moves Management Basics
Now is the time to focus on the basics of fundraising—especially moves management. By creating a structured system for tracking donor relationships and regularly reviewing your pipeline, you can identify key prospects and strategically move them through stages to higher levels of engagement. This not only builds a stronger, more committed donor base but also ensures your fundraising efforts are consistent and sustainable.
Diversify Revenue Streams
If your organization relies heavily on one funding source—such as government grants—this is a good time to explore new avenues of revenue. Look into adding more corporate partnerships, hosting events (virtual or in-person), and increasing engagement in individual giving. With a diversified income mix, you can mitigate potential fluctuations in giving due to external factors.
Leverage Data and Metrics
By tracking your donors’ giving patterns and engagement levels, you can better anticipate future revenue streams and adjust strategies accordingly. This data can also help you tailor your communications to meet donors where they are—particularly in times when their giving behavior might change.
These strategies help create a framework for sustainability that doesn’t rely on the outcome of any political event, and allows your organization to thrive, regardless of external pressures. The key is to develop systems that ensure you’re always prepared for what lies ahead, while continuing to focus on core fundraising efforts and keeping your team strong, engaged, and mission-focused.
