Philanthropic Partners

New data from the Fundraising Effectiveness Project (FEP) shows that total charitable dollars raised grew by an estimated 5.0% (±0.5%) in 2025 compared to 2024, marking the strongest growth the sector has seen in five years. At the same time, the number of donors declined by 3.6% (±0.5%), continuing a downward trend that began in 2021.

Read the full 2025 Q4 Report here: https://publications.fepreports.org/

Nonprofits have been saying this for years.

Multi-year general operating support is what makes the real impact.

How can funders best support nonprofits in rapidly changing conditions? Increased flexible funding is just one of the findings from GEO's newest report.

Learn more: https://candid.org/blogs/how-can-funders-create-conditions-for-communities-to-thrive-nonprofit-partners/

ALERT: New USPS postmark rules are in effect which is important for your year-end donors!

The USPS has changed its postmark rule so now mail is date-stamped at regional centers which may be 1-2 days later (or more on weekends/holidays) than it arrives at the local branch via drop off or carrier pickup.

Why It Matters
Charitable Donations: A donation postmarked in the new year could affect tax deductions for the prior year.

How to Ensure Your Date
Go to the Counter: Request a manual, hand-stamped postmark at a USPS branch for the actual mailing date.
Get Proof: Use services like Certified Mail or Certificate of Mailing for official documentation.
Use Other Couriers: Approved overnight services (like FedEx, UPS) have their own, reliable timestamping.
Mail Early: Give yourself extra buffer time, especially for critical deadlines like Tax Day.

Let your donors know that today is a great day to send in that end of the year contribution either by online donation or by mail.

GoFundMe has been filling the social media posts of nonprofit and fundraising professionals this past week.

Passing on this statement from NCN to update everyone as to where the situation stands.

If your organization is not interested in a GoFundMe organization page (I’d highly recommend against it), do not claim it, and it will be deactivated.

Nonprofits rely on transparency, trust, and control over their own fundraising.

Following concerns raised by the National Council of Nonprofits and others, GoFundMe has apologized and committed to rebuilding trust with nonprofits after creating donation pages for 1.4 million organizations without their consent.

As President & CEO Diane Yentel shares in her statement, this incident underscores the importance of ensuring nonprofits have the power to decide how and when to engage with partners — and that their expertise must be respected every step of the way.

Read and share Diane Yentel’s full statement: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/pressreleases/statement-national-council-nonprofits-gofundmes-unauthorized-fundraising-pages

In the spring, the Trump administration abruptly cut $500 million in deliveries from a program that sends U.S.-produced meat, dairy, eggs and produce to food banks and other organizations across the country – including the Food Bank of Central Louisiana.

The cancellation of these deliveries comes at a critical time for food banks. Food insecurity is higher than at any time since the aftermath of the Great Recession, according to federal data, and many food banks are reporting higher need than they saw at the peak of the pandemic.

Trump cancels $94 million in food aid. Central Louisiana feels the pinch. • Louisiana Illuminator Food insecurity is higher than at any time since the aftermath of the Great Recession, and many food banks report higher need than they saw at the peak of the pandemic.

Join NPQ on October 23 for a live event on practical tools to help you identify what aspects of your brand need to evolve, center your community and mission in your branding process, and much more, featuring Claire Taylor Hansen and Farra Trompeter. Register today: https://hubs.ly/Q03Ln6R70

All signs point to a government shutdown this week. Check out resources from National Council of Nonprofits:

- See NCN’s latest fact sheet on actions nonprofits can take now to protect your org and the people you serve from the negative impacts caused by a government shutdown: https://lnkd.in/eraD3vci

- Join NCN’s national webinar on October 6, “What Nonprofits Need to Know About the Current Federal Grant Landscape”. Register: https://lnkd.in/eM-Tdk8n

If you’re in Central Louisiana, consider applying for BoardBuilders. Deadline is August 1.

Community Development Works Community Development Works (CDW), a program of The Rapides Foundation, provides nonprofit management training, leadership programs, and access to evidence-based resources...

Sarah will be speaking in small shop fundraising. There is still time to register!

🎺 Meet the Speakers Stirring Up Bold Fundraising in Louisiana! 🎺

No mission moves without money—and no dollars move without skilled, dedicated fundraisers.

Across Louisiana, fundraisers are powering solutions in food security, housing, education, justice, disaster response, and more. Your work challenges the norm, tells powerful stories, and helps donors dream bigger.

But sustaining that impact takes more than passion.
It takes strategy. Collaboration. Community.

That’s why AFP - New Orleans + Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) - Baton Rouge are joining forces for our first-ever regional fundraising conference:
🍲 The Gumbo of Giving: Mixing Passion, Purpose & Philanthropy
📅 Thursday, July 24 | 8 AM–4 PM
📍 New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District
🎟️ Register now → bit.ly/m/AFP-New-Orleans

✨ Whether you’re behind the asks, the strategy, or the stewardship – this day is for you.

Let’s stir the pot and build something bold.

Don't miss Sarah as she speaks about small shop fundraising at the upcoming AFP conference!

🎺 Meet the Speakers Stirring Up Bold Fundraising in Louisiana! 🎺

No mission moves without money—and no dollars move without skilled, dedicated fundraisers.

Across Louisiana, fundraisers are powering solutions in food security, housing, education, justice, disaster response, and more. Your work challenges the norm, tells powerful stories, and helps donors dream bigger.

But sustaining that impact takes more than passion.
It takes strategy. Collaboration. Community.

That’s why AFP - New Orleans + Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) - Baton Rouge are joining forces for our first-ever regional fundraising conference:
🍲 The Gumbo of Giving: Mixing Passion, Purpose & Philanthropy
📅 Thursday, July 24 | 8 AM–4 PM
📍 New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District
🎟️ Register now → bit.ly/m/AFP-New-Orleans

✨ Whether you’re behind the asks, the strategy, or the stewardship – this day is for you.

Let’s stir the pot and build something bold.

Friday is the last day to submit a proposal for AFP New Orleans and AFP Baton Rouge’s joint conference!

https://form.jotform.com/251196629748067