US Midterms: A Changing Landscape for Global Fundraising
by Harvey Duthie, Belmont Fundraising Ltd.
Reading about the early US midterm election results from Starbucks in Liverpool airport, my thoughts turned quickly to what this might mean for international development organisations and the wider fundraising landscape.
After a challenging period for overseas aid, the changing balance of power in Washington offers some grounds for renewed optimism.
For organisations working in global health, humanitarian assistance, food security and international development, the prospect of greater congressional engagement in overseas aid funding is encouraging.
But the bigger question is not simply whether American funding will return. It is how organisations position themselves to succeed in an increasingly competitive and unpredictable funding environment.
Focus on what you can control
At Belmont Fundraising, our advice to clients is straightforward: don’t build your fundraising strategy around political developments or funding decisions beyond your control. Focus on getting the fundamentals right.
That means:
A compelling case for support: Be absolutely clear about the problem you are solving, the impact you deliver and why investment is needed now.
A diversified funding model: Avoid overdependence on any single government, institutional donor or funding stream.
Strong relationships: Invest in meaningful, long-term engagement with foundations, philanthropists, corporate partners and institutional funders.
Evidence of impact: Demonstrate measurable results, value for money and the difference additional funding will make.
A disciplined fundraising plan: Set realistic financial targets, identify your strongest prospects and establish clear activity milestones.
Opportunity favours the prepared
The US elections may signal a more constructive environment for international development funding. But funding priorities, delivery mechanisms and donor expectations will continue to evolve.
Organisations that have invested in their fundraising capacity, strengthened their partnerships and developed a clear, ambitious strategy will be better placed to respond.
The political landscape will change. Funding priorities will shift. But the fundamentals of successful fundraising remain remarkably consistent.
And that is where organisations should focus their energy.
Belmont Fundraising Ltd.
Global / Philanthropy / Services
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