Building Resilience in the Face of Funding Cuts (with Laura Rosi and Elizabeth Silverstein)
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
Release Date: 04/28/2025
NPFX: The Nonprofit Fundraising Exchange
Great donor stewardship goes beyond thank-you notes — it creates a sense of meaning for the donor. In this kickoff episode of our new series on stewardship, Sami Zoss sits down with Dzenan Berberovic, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Avera Health, to explore how thoughtful stewardship can deepen relationships, celebrate generosity, and offer donors what they truly seek: a lasting sense of purpose and impact. Learn why stewardship isn’t just a follow-up tactic — it’s central to transformative fundraising. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic,...
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Radical shifts in federal funding priorities continue to create widespread uncertainty across the nonprofit sector. In today’s episode, we explore strategies to build organizational resilience, collaborate with other nonprofits, and communicate effectively with donors and funders during difficult times. We also examine the unique value a consultant brings, and share key criteria for choosing the right advisor to help your nonprofit thrive. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an...
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When federal funding is at risk, diversification is a smart long-term strategy. But there's a more immediate response nonprofits can’t afford to ignore — advocacy. In this episode, we break down what advocacy really means, how it works, and why it’s essential for every nonprofit to get involved right now. Join us as we explore how to make your voice heard and protect the funding that fuels your mission. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX...
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Recently, a series of rapid-fire decisions by the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the nonprofit sector, leaving many organizations uncertain about the future of their federal grants. In today's episode, our expert panel explores strategies nonprofits can implement to assess the challenges they face and survive potential funding cuts. With insights on collaboration, donor communication, impact assessments, and advocacy, this episode offers a lifeline to nonprofits facing unprecedented challenges. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic,...
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Nonprofits worked hard last year and gained valuable insights along the way. In today's episode, we share the top lessons learned by 10 fundraising professionals, and ways to apply them to make an even greater impact in 2025. Listen for tips on donor engagement, the importance of managing your data, leveraging your annual fund for major gifts, the value of unrestricted funds for capacity building, and more — plus a message of inspiration that every nonprofit should hear. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for...
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Hello NPFX listeners! As nonprofit professionals, you've worked really hard this year. You faced challenges, achieved goals, and undoubtedly, you've gained valuable insights along the way. For our first episode of the new year, we'd like to hear what you've learned. Here's the question we'd like you to answer: What's the most valuable lesson you're taking away from your nonprofit experience in 2024? Send your answer by email to [email protected] with the subject line "2024 lesson." If you'd like us to mention you on the episode, be sure to include your name, your title, and the...
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When communication within a nonprofit flows effectively — from leadership to management to staff, and vice versa — teams tend to work well together and the nonprofit thrives. However, when enough breakdowns in communication occur, a toxic work culture can quickly take root. In today's episode, we’ll explore the unique challenges nonprofits face in fostering clear communication, and strategies for creating more engaged teams, safer environments for feedback, and ultimately, greater impact in your mission. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a...
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As giving from Boomers and Gen X decreases, Millennials and Gen Z are becoming more and more important to the long-term health of nonprofits. Yet many fundraisers struggle to connect with these young donors. In today's episode, we explore what it takes to engage the younger generations, and how you can make your nonprofit's mission resonate with donors of all ages. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to . Additional Resources ...
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AI tools have rapidly evolved beyond their initial applications in content creation and data analysis. While some nonprofits are leveraging this growing technology, others raise valid concerns about privacy, bias, and data security. In today’s episode, we’ll examine the potential of AI as a strategic partner for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers. We’ll also explore how AI can be implemented safely and responsibly to free up time for higher-impact work and offer fresh solutions to longstanding challenges. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a...
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Engaging people as loyal donors and advocates for change is the heart of our job as fundraisers. However, the conventional messaging formula of problem -> solution -> ask is turning off some supporters, especially the younger generations. In this episode, we explore a fresh approach called Narrative Strategy that will help you deliver the right message to the right audience, inspiring greater commitment to your mission. Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners: Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the...
info_outlineRadical shifts in federal funding priorities continue to create widespread uncertainty across the nonprofit sector. In today’s episode, we explore strategies to build organizational resilience, collaborate with other nonprofits, and communicate effectively with donors and funders during difficult times. We also examine the unique value a consultant brings, and share key criteria for choosing the right advisor to help your nonprofit thrive.
Free 30-minute fundraising consultation for NPFX listeners:
http://www.ipmadvancement.com/free
Want to suggest a topic, guest, or nonprofit organization for an upcoming episode? Send an email with the subject "NPFX suggestion" to [email protected].
Additional Resources
IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library:
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/resources
[NPFX] Federal Funding Uncertainty: How to Assess the Risks and Respond Strategically
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/federal-funding-uncertainty-how-to-assess-the-risks-and-respond-strategically
[NPFX] Advocacy Matters: Defending Federal Funding for Nonprofits
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/blog/advocacy-matters-defending-federal-funding-for-nonprofits
Laura Rosi, Esq. is the Chief Executive Officer at Housing Families. She is known for collaborating with government and community stakeholders to foster solutions to complex problems. Laura has worked on affordable housing and homelessness issues for more than fifteen years at Housing Families. Using this expertise, she has successfully expanded the reach of housing and mental health services for unhoused individuals and families in Malden, Medford, Everett, Chelsea, Revere, and beyond. Her passions include creating community connections, and building bridges amongst medical and healthcare providers through events like Housing Families’ Annual Legislative Breakfast. Laura is a graduate of American University of Rome and received her law degree from Suffolk University Law School.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurarosiesq/
https://housingfamilies.org/
Elizabeth Silverstein has served the not-for-profit sector for more than 40 years, specializing in transformational giving, vision casting, inspiring boards, and building passionate, effective teams. Beth has been instrumental in cultivating major gifts for capital campaigns in healthcare, two presidential libraries, higher education, K-12 independent schools, and social service organizations. With an ardent passion for protecting and propelling the nonprofit sector, Beth has joined the team at VisionConnect, a consultancy specializing in strategic planning, coalition building, governance excellence, and nonprofit capacity building. A BoardSource-certified Governance Consultant, she is passionate about coaching boards toward purpose-driven leadership and crafting bold strategic plans that drive maximum mission impact.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-reynolds-silverstein-b211b7a/
https://www.visionconnectllc.com/
Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/russphaneuf/
Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richfrazier/