Dear Partners and Friends,
Happy New Year and what a year it was.
We can all agree, 2025 was not an easy year for nonprofits. It was complex, unpredictable, and demanding in ways the industry has not experienced in more than a decade. But the story of this year is not struggle. It is resilience, adaptation, and leadership under pressure.
You kept your missions moving forward while the ground shifted beneath you and that deserves recognition.
Before we step fully into 2026, I want to pause and reflect honestly on what we navigated together and the clarity it brought.
2025: A Year That Reshaped the Industry
This year challenged nonprofit leaders in ways that were both unexpected and unrelenting.
And through all of this, one truth remained:
Nonprofits did not fall behind. The landscape shifted and you adapted.
Where We’re Going in 2026
The organizations that will grow and thrive in 2026 will be the ones that prioritize:
CPP is entering the new year with deeper strategy, stronger systems, and a renewed commitment to being the partner you trust for clarity, momentum, and measurable results.
My promise is simple:
I will continue to lead boldly.
I will continue to build what lasts.
I will continue to bring strategy and excellence to every mission we support.
And CPP will continue to walk with you, not ahead of you, not behind you, but with you.
Thank you for trusting us in a year that tested you.
Thank you for inviting us into your missions, your challenges, and your victories.
Thank you for leading with heart and purpose when stepping back would have been easier.
Your mission matters.
Your leadership matters.
Your work matters.
It remains an honor to walk among you.
Here’s to 2026...a year of clarity, strategy, and deep, sustainable success.
With Gratitude,
Heather Frank, PhilD, MA, CFRE
Founder & CEO
Collective Purpose Philanthropy
Happy New Year and what a year it was.
We can all agree, 2025 was not an easy year for nonprofits. It was complex, unpredictable, and demanding in ways the industry has not experienced in more than a decade. But the story of this year is not struggle. It is resilience, adaptation, and leadership under pressure.
You kept your missions moving forward while the ground shifted beneath you and that deserves recognition.
Before we step fully into 2026, I want to pause and reflect honestly on what we navigated together and the clarity it brought.
2025: A Year That Reshaped the Industry
This year challenged nonprofit leaders in ways that were both unexpected and unrelenting.
- Donor retention hit historic lows.
Sector-wide retention hovered near 40%, with first-time donor retention falling below 20%. This was not failure, it was donor fatigue and economic caution. - Major donor decisions slowed.
Cultivation took longer. Confidence required deeper stewardship. Relationship-building became essential, not optional. - Small donor giving grew inconsistently.
Monthly giving surged nationally, but loyalty shifted quickly. Clear, compelling messaging mattered more than ever. - Program and operating costs rose again.
Inflation and supply shortages added pressure across missions while expectations remained high. - Burnout and turnover intensified.
Teams ran thin. Leaders carried too much. Culture became a core stability strategy, not a luxury. - Digital engagement shifted rapidly.
Short-form video surged. Email softened. Ads cost more. Adaptability became a competitive advantage. - Board expectations increased.
ROI, metrics, and strategic clarity were no longer optional, they were required.
And through all of this, one truth remained:
Nonprofits did not fall behind. The landscape shifted and you adapted.
Where We’re Going in 2026
The organizations that will grow and thrive in 2026 will be the ones that prioritize:
- Structure instead of scrambling
- Clear, intentional development calendars
- Consistent messaging donors can feel
- Strong stewardship and donor experience
- Healthy, supported team culture
- Data-informed decision-making
- Sustainable systems that prevent burnout
- Leadership support that strengthens those at the helm
CPP is entering the new year with deeper strategy, stronger systems, and a renewed commitment to being the partner you trust for clarity, momentum, and measurable results.
My promise is simple:
I will continue to lead boldly.
I will continue to build what lasts.
I will continue to bring strategy and excellence to every mission we support.
And CPP will continue to walk with you, not ahead of you, not behind you, but with you.
Thank you for trusting us in a year that tested you.
Thank you for inviting us into your missions, your challenges, and your victories.
Thank you for leading with heart and purpose when stepping back would have been easier.
Your mission matters.
Your leadership matters.
Your work matters.
It remains an honor to walk among you.
Here’s to 2026...a year of clarity, strategy, and deep, sustainable success.
With Gratitude,
Heather Frank, PhilD, MA, CFRE
Founder & CEO
Collective Purpose Philanthropy
