The Math Ain’t Mathing: 1.9% Growth Is a Bad April Fool’s Joke

I realize that April Fool’s Day is about pranks and good-natured fun.

I also realize that our nonprofit sector might not be in the mood for laughs & giggles currently.

So, in that spirit of “would be funny in almost any other situation than right now,” let me hit you with a headline from the Chronicle of Philanthropy that made me damn near spit out my coffee this morning:

“In 2024, nonprofits brought in more than 1.9 percent in donations than they did the previous year... but fundraising growth didn’t keep pace with inflation, which was 2.9 percent.”

Cue the sad trombone.

Or that sound effect from the Price is Right when you suggest that the price of toothpaste is more than the patio set during the game Mountain Climbers.

Now before we go full doomsday mode, let’s break this down like rational, clearly-not-caffeinated-enough adults.

A 1.9% increase in giving sounds good, right?

Growth is growth!

But when inflation eats up 2.9% of your buying power, that “growth” is actually a step backward. You and your nonprofit is effectively doing more work for less real money.

And just to keep piling on, GDP growth is currently projected at a measly 0.3%, and some economists think inflation could flirt with 5% again this year.

It’s a toxic cocktail: expenses are up, donors are stretched, and expectations?

Still sky-high.

So what do we do?

Hide under our desks?

Turn up the volume in the car and scream lyrics to that Sepultura CD you still have in the black case under your seat?

Draft our resumes and apply for that assistant manager of goat yoga instruction?

Nope.

We do what nonprofits do best—we adapt, we get scrappy, and we lean into conversations that matter.

Step 1: Talk to Your Donors (But Ask Better Questions)

Your donors are feeling the pinch too. But that doesn’t mean they’re out of the game.

It just means we need to dig deeper, listen harder, and stop assuming we know how they feel. In fact, they are probably experiencing anxiety at their jobs, households and association.

So we pick up the phone and talk.

Try these conversation starters:

“What made you first want to support us?” 

Why it matters: It brings them back to the emotional root of their giving.  

If they say: “Because my sister was helped by your program.”

Then do this: Find ways to connect their personal story to current needs. Offer them a tour, invite them to an upcoming event, or share an update that mirrors their original reason for giving.

“Has anything changed in your life or giving priorities this year?” 

Why it matters: Life happens. Kids graduate. Jobs change. People retire.

If they say: “We’re budgeting a lot tighter this year.”

Then do this: Shift the conversation to engagement instead of just dollars. Ask if they'd consider a recurring gift at a lower monthly level, joining a committee, or being an ambassador on social media.

“What would make you feel even more connected to the impact of your gift?” 

Why it matters: Donors crave relevance. They don’t want to just give—they want to feel something.

If they say: “I’d love to hear from someone whose life was changed.”

Then do this: Introduce donor-to-beneficiary storytelling. Use short videos, written testimonials, or even handwritten notes.

“Would you be open to learning about some long-term giving options?” 

Why it matters: Legacy and planned giving are often overlooked—but critical.

If they say: “We’ve thought about putting a nonprofit in our will but haven’t done it yet.”

Then do this: Follow up with easy-to-understand info about bequests or donor-advised funds. Keep it light, respectful, and non-salesy.

Step 2: Use the Answers to Build a Game Plan

If you hear "We love you, but now’s not the right time", don’t ghost them until next December. Instead:

• Offer a behind-the-scenes update on your work and remind them they’re still part of the family.

• Ask if they'd be open to a mid-year check-in.

• Send them something unexpected: a thank-you call, a photo from the field, or even a meme that matches your vibe.

• Make sure you put a follow-up date in your calendar or CRM – it’s ok to plan the random and unexpected note or call!

  
  

If you hear "We’re still in, but want to do something different":

• Ask them to sponsor a match challenge.

• Invite them to host a house party or virtual Q&A with your staff.

• See if they’ll underwrite an upcoming event or program area they care about.

• In fact, ask them if they want to brainstorm ways on how to leverage “different!”

  
  

If you hear "We’re giving less across the board":

• Thank them twice as hard.

• Celebrate what their gift still makes possible.

• Don’t let the size of the gift dictate the size of your gratitude.

• Make sure they know about the impact their gift has made…in as many instances as possible

  
  

Step 3: Build a Culture of Conversation, Not Just Another Fundraising Campaign

I see this all the time. Nonprofits only check in with donors when they’re gearing up for an appeal.

Let’s break that habit like a New Year’s resolution by February.

Make a list of your top 25 donors.

Set a 30-minute coffee convo goal with each over the next 90 days.

No pitch.

No presentation.

Just say “thank you.”

Just ask good questions, listen, and follow up with actual appreciation.

Make a list of your top 25 lapsed donors.

Same plan. These folks already raised their hands once. Reignite that spark.

And if you’re thinking, “That sounds like a lot of time I have to spend following up with donors,” you’re right.

But I’d go as far to say that it’s the MOST important use of your time.

Remember, deeper relationships beat broad, shallow ones every time—especially when money is tight.

Here’s the bottom line: your fundraising shouldn't be on autopilot when the economy sure isn’t.

Inflation is real. Growth is soft. But relationships? They’re still our superpower.

Now is the moment to trade assumptions for questions, pressure for purpose, and silence for connection.

Don’t wait until Q4 to panic.

Let’s get curious, stay present, and do good...better (I will ALWAYS make this reference friends. HA!) right now.

Want help building your conversation game plan? Shoot me a message. Or better yet—let’s talk like real humans.

Coffee or an adult beverage is on me.

You got this

-Patrick