Nonprofit Leadership

Leading with Purpose. Innovating with Equity.
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** GivingTuesday!
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December 2, 2025

Dear Readers,

Happy GivingTuesday? I know—it’s not really a happy time in our sector. But the (fundraising) show must go on because it’s fundraising that allows us to achieve our missions, funds our hard-working staff, and helps us adapt to the challenging environment in which we find ourselves.

Speaking of challenging environments, this week’s Nonprofit Leadership newsletter kicks off with a sobering report by Lauren Girardin about the potential impacts on the sector of the Trump administration’s plans to slash the US Education Department.

As nonprofits continue to navigate a sector plagued by federal attacks, organizations such as the Public Rights Project are using GivingTuesday to lean into their mission and impact to let funders know exactly where they stand. And GivingTuesday can be a means to raise more than just dollars—it’s a great way to mobilize grassroots funders.

If you have any hesitancies around fundraising during GivingTuesday (and beyond), Rhea Wong has some answers, written with her inimitable wit, candor, and empathy for those in the proverbial trenches.

And for guidance on determining your fundraising metrics and “fitness,” tap into the insights and tools of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, a program of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

As always, I love to hear from you. Email me at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Isaiah Thompson

Leadership

Editor


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** Must-Read Articles
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Trump Administration’s Gutting of Education Department Will Hurt Nonprofits

by Lauren Girardin

President Trump’s pledge to shut down the US Education Department could mean billions in cuts to critical programs.
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Be Bold This GivingTuesday: Lessons from Public Rights Project

by Jennifer Johnson

This GivingTuesday, organizations are amplifying—rather than retreating from—their missions to tap widespread outrage over the ongoing decimation of civil society.
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GivingTuesday: Mobilizing Grassroots Donors

by Isaiah Thompson

GivingTuesday has grown into a key part of many nonprofits’ fundraising—but it’s about more than raising dollars.
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GivingTuesday: Ride the Wave, Don’t Fight It

by Rhea Wong

Rhea Wong tackles GivingTuesday, answering readers’ fundraising questions.
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Know Your Data: Insights from the Fundraising Effectiveness Project

by Isaiah Thompson

How well do you know your organization’s key fundraising metrics? Now is a good time to check out the Fundraising Effectiveness Project and its Fundraising Fitness Test.
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Nonprofit Leadership offers timely civic news, equity-centered insights, and innovative frameworks for leaders building a just and thriving civil society. This newsletter delivers field wisdom, leadership strategies, and practical tools to help you lead with intention and create sustainable impact in your organization and community.

Copyright (C) 2025. All rights reserved.

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